President Donald Trump is expected to visit Ireland next month in a trip that will combine official engagements in Dublin with a return to his golf resort in Doonbeg, County Clare, where this year's Irish Open is being held.
The Irish Times has reported that Trump will arrive on September 12, allowing him to be in the United States in to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The centerpiece of the visit is expected to be Trump's attendance at the Irish Open, one of Europe's premier golf tournaments, which is being staged at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg from September 9 to September 13.
Trump has repeatedly expressed his enthusiasm about returning to Ireland. In a recorded video message played during the U.S. Embassy's Independence Day celebrations in Dublin last month, the president praised the County Clare resort as "one of the best, most beautiful golf courses anywhere in the world."
"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," Trump said. "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."
The visit is also expected to include official meetings in Dublin, including a likely sit-down with Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Irish President Catherine Connolly has also previously said she would meet Trump as part of her constitutional duties if he visited Ireland, despite being a prominent socialist and a vocal critic of his policies.
Trump purchased the Doonbeg resort in 2014, transforming it into one of the flagship properties in the Trump golf portfolio, as well as the town's largest employer. He has visited the County Clare course several times, including during his first term in office in 2019, and has frequently described it as one of his favorite golf destinations. Irish officials have been preparing for the visit, which is expected to involve a major security operation in Dublin and Clare. Authorities are also anticipating protests during the president's stay.
It is also expected that Trump could take part in a ceremonial groundbreaking at the site of the planned new U.S. Embassy in Dublin's Ballsbridge district.
