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.
