Dublin: US President Donald Trump has arrived in Ireland for a two-day visit, with an official programme in Dublin, a trip to his golf resort in Co. Clare and large protests expected across the country.
Air Force One landed at Dublin Airport at around 8am on Saturday, where Trump was received by Tánaiste Simon Harris.
Although the visit is not being designated an official state visit, Trump is scheduled to meet President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin, with discussions expected to focus on international affairs and the economic relationship between Ireland and the United States.
Following his engagements in Dublin, Trump will travel to County Clare to attend the Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, which he owns.
Trump’s Dublin Schedule
According to the published presidential schedule, Trump is due to be received at Áras an Uachtaráin in Phoenix Park at 9.10am, followed by a meeting with President Catherine Connolly at 9.20am.
He is then scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Farmleigh at 10.10am.
Government sources said the meeting is expected to cover international issues as well as Ireland-US economic relations. The talks carry particular political significance given differences between Dublin and Washington on issues including the Middle East, Gaza and trade.
At 11.35am, Trump is scheduled to address staff at the US Embassy and Irish-American business representatives at the official residence of US Ambassador Ed Walsh in Phoenix Park. Hundreds of guests are expected to attend the event.
Trump is then expected to conclude his Dublin engagements and travel to County Clare via Shannon Airport.
Visit to Doonbeg and Irish Open
Trump is due to stay at his Doonbeg resort on Saturday night and attend the final round of the Irish Open on Sunday.
He is also expected to attend the presentation of the trophy to the winner of the tournament.
Trump’s sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., have already arrived in Doonbeg ahead of the president’s visit.
The Irish Open is taking place from September 10 to 13 at Trump International Golf Links. The tournament marks a significant focus of Trump’s visit, with the president expected to leave Ireland and return to the United States on Sunday evening.
Major Traffic Restrictions in Dublin
Trump’s arrival has resulted in extensive traffic and access restrictions across Dublin.
Rolling road closures are expected around Dublin Airport, with restrictions in place from approximately 7.30am to 9.30am and again from 11.30am to 1.30pm.
Motorists have also been warned of potential disruption on the M50 between Junctions 3 and 6, particularly between 8am and 9am and from noon to 1pm.
Restrictions are also affecting the R108, R132 and Old Airport Road.
Phoenix Park has been closed to the public for the duration of the security operation, with its main gates and roads closed. Dublin Zoo is also closed to visitors on Saturday.
The park is currently scheduled to reopen by 6pm.
Thousands Expected at Protests
The president’s visit is being accompanied by a major security operation and widespread protests.
Organisers expect around 100,000 people to participate in demonstrations in Dublin, with protesters beginning to arrive in the city before dawn.
Protests have also been planned around Shannon Airport and in Doonbeg, where Trump will spend Saturday night.
Gardaí have described the operation as one of the largest security operations in recent memory. A joint security cordon involving An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces and US security personnel has been established in Dublin and Clare.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly has said peaceful protests will be permitted but warned that actions that interfere with the president’s security arrangements will not be tolerated.
Further road restrictions are in place in Clare, including along the N67 towards Doonbeg.
Government Highlights Ireland-US Ties
Despite criticism of Trump’s policies and the planned demonstrations, the government has stressed the long-term importance of Ireland’s relationship with the United States.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said the political, economic and cultural links between the two countries remain strong despite changes in administrations.
He highlighted the scale of US investment in Ireland, noting that more than 900 American companies operating in the country directly employ around 245,000 people.
At the same time, approximately 800 Irish companies operating in the United States employ more than 200,000 people.
The government’s message is that Trump’s reception in Ireland reflects the importance of the broader Ireland-US relationship rather than an endorsement of any individual president or his policies.
With diplomatic meetings in Dublin, the Irish Open in Clare, widespread protests and an unprecedented security operation, Trump’s visit is set to dominate political and public attention in Ireland throughout the weekend.
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