In brief
Donald Trump has just touched down in Dublin for a short trip to the Republic of Ireland, where he began with a courtesy call at Áras an Uachtaráin with President Catherine Connolly. He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Micheál Martin later, while keeping a tight security detail to manage protests and crowd control. The former president will also attend events at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in Phoenix Park before heading to his own Trump International Golf Links to watch the Irish Open. Connolly, known for her criticism of U.S. policy on Gaza, faced pressure during the meeting to raise Middle‑East concerns. The visit echoes Trump’s earlier trips to Ireland in 2019 and 2023, as he looks to combine diplomacy with sporting interests.
Donald Trump landed in Dublin Friday night on Air Force One and has taken a two‑day trip to the Republic of Ireland. His first stop was the Áras an Uachtaráin, the official residence of the Irish president, where he held a courtesy call with President Catherine Connolly.
Connolly, who is a vocal critic of U.S. policy over Gaza, had to navigate political pressure from Irish parties waiting for her to press the issue with the former US president. Her meeting was brief and mostly ceremonial, but it sparked discussion about Ireland’s stance on the Middle East.
Security engines were activated throughout Dublin: a large number of police, crowd‑control barriers and an extensive two‑tone guard detail were put in place ahead of the trip. Protesters were expected both in the capital and in Doonbeg, where Trump’s golf course is located, but the former president is not scheduled to appear near the American Embassy.
Following his briefing, Trump will attend events at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in Phoenix Park and then head to the Trump International Golf Links and Hotel Doonbeg in County Clare. There, he will watch the Irish Open, a tournament he calls a "beautiful place" and hopes to see his favourite golfers—including Rory McIlroy—play.
This trip follows Trump’s earlier visits to Ireland in 2019 and 2023 and underscores his continuing interest in linking diplomatic engagement with his golfing interests on the Emerald Isle.
