Donald Trump is expected to visit Ireland next month for a three-day trip that will combine official engagements in Dublin with an appearance at the Irish Open, which is being held at his Doonbeg golf resort in Co Clare.
Government preparations are already under way for what is expected to be one of the largest security operations in recent years. Gardaí are planning an extensive policing effort as the visit is likely to attract large crowds alongside organised demonstrations in Dublin and elsewhere.
The visit is expected to begin on September 12, allowing the US president to return home in time to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in the United States. During his stay, Trump is expected to attend the closing stages of the Irish Open, which runs from September 9 to September 13 at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg.
Trump has frequently spoken of his enthusiasm for the Clare resort, which he purchased in 2014 and has visited on several occasions, including during his first presidential term in 2019.
In a recorded video message shown during the US ambassador's Independence Day reception at the Phoenix Park in Dublin last month, Trump highlighted both the resort and the tournament.
“You know, I have a beautiful place over there, it’s one of the best, most beautiful golf courses anywhere in the world,” he said.
“We have a place that’s so top, and we have the Irish Open going to be there and we’re going to have a tremendous celebration. I think I’m going to come over and I think I’m going to see it and we’re going to watch Rory and all the great players.”
Alongside his sporting engagements, Trump is expected to hold a series of official meetings in Dublin, including talks with Taoiseach Micheál Martin. A meeting with President Catherine Connolly is also considered likely, although it has not been formally confirmed.
Trump is also expected to participate in a ceremonial sod-turning event at the site of the planned new United States Embassy in Ballsbridge.
The Taoiseach has previously said Trump would be welcome to Ireland if he attended the Irish Open, and the US president has repeatedly expressed his desire to visit, including during discussions in Washington around the St Patrick's Day celebrations earlier this year.
President Connolly, who was previously critical of Trump during his election campaigns, has indicated she would meet the US president as part of her constitutional responsibilities should an official visit take place.
Meanwhile, campaign groups have confirmed plans to stage demonstrations during the visit.
Sara O'Rourke of the Irish Neutrality League said her organisation would protest against the US president's visit and his policies.
People Before Profit has also announced plans for what it describes as a major demonstration in Dublin. The party said the Government's decision to welcome Trump should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of the wider Irish public.
People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy said the protests would send a clear message.
“A major protest against Donald Trump will prove that Irish people don't go in for bootlicking,” he said.
The combination of official meetings, the Irish Open and planned demonstrations is expected to make Trump's visit one of the highest-profile international events hosted in Ireland this year, with significant security measures anticipated throughout Dublin and Co Clare.
