Thousands Expected to Protest as Trump Begins Two-Day Visit to Ireland
Dublin: Thousands of protesters are expected to take to the streets in Dublin and Clare this weekend as US President Donald Trump begins a two-day visit to Ireland.
Trump is expected to arrive in Dublin on Saturday morning, September 12. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet President Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin and Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Farmleigh before travelling to Doonbeg in Co. Clare.
A major focus of the visit will be the Irish Open, which is being held from September 10 to 13 at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, which he owns. Trump is expected to stay in Doonbeg on Saturday night and attend Sunday’s tournament.
National Protest Planned in Dublin
The main national demonstration, titled “No Welcome for Trump”, is due to begin at 1pm on Saturday at Dublin’s Garden of Remembrance, coinciding with Trump’s arrival.
The protest is being led by the Irish Neutrality League and is expected to bring together Palestine solidarity groups, anti-war organisations and social movements, including United Against Racism.
Representatives from Sinn Féin, People Before Profit, Labour and the Social Democrats have also announced their support for the demonstration.
Additional protests are planned in Doonbeg and the Shannon region.
Organisers say the demonstrations will focus on issues including the war in Gaza, US military action against Iran and the future of Irish neutrality. They are also criticising the Trump administration’s support for Israeli military actions in Palestine, its approach to international law and what they describe as the growing militarisation of global affairs.
The protesters are calling for Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality not to be undermined by closer alignment with US foreign policy.
Other issues being raised include Trump’s immigration policies, climate policies and his positions on women and minority groups. Protest organisers argue that the Irish government’s official reception for the US president should not be interpreted as tacit approval of his policies.
Dispute Over Protest Posters
The planned demonstrations have also led to a dispute between Dublin City Council and protest organisers over the design of promotional posters.
An initial poster featuring Trump’s image inside a red circle and the message “Trump is not welcome”, along with references to climate change, racism, Gaza, war and the Epstein case, was rejected by the council.
A second version, which removed the disputed descriptions and retained Trump’s image alongside the words “No Welcome”, was also rejected.
The council said language or imagery that could be considered offensive to members of the public or the individual featured on the poster could not be approved. It also cited the potential for legal action.
A revised poster was subsequently approved after Trump’s image was removed. The final design carries the message: “No to war and militarisation; Irish neutrality.”
People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy accused the council of censorship, arguing that blocking criticism of Trump amounted to an infringement of freedom of expression.
Tight Security for Presidential Visit
Meanwhile, extensive security arrangements are being put in place across Dublin and Clare ahead of Trump’s visit.
With thousands expected to participate in protests in Dublin on Saturday, the president’s arrival is likely to draw significant public and political attention.
The visit will therefore present two contrasting scenes: an official Irish welcome for the US president and large demonstrations opposing his policies.
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