Former President Donald Trump arrived in Dublin on Saturday for a weekend visit that includes meetings with Ireland's president and prime minister, as well as attendance at the Irish Open golf tournament. The trip highlights a pattern of the former president blending official engagements with personal business interests.
Trump is slated for separate meetings in the capital with Irish President Catherine Connolly and Prime Minister Micheál Martin. He also plans to address U.S. and Irish business leaders at the U.S. ambassador's residence before traveling to his oceanfront golf club in Doonbeg, located on the country's Atlantic coast. The Irish Open concludes on Sunday.
The visit has drawn criticism from some residents who expressed annoyance over the disruptions caused by the security cordon around Dublin's Phoenix Park, where some of his meetings are scheduled. Demonstrations against Trump's visit were also planned by a coalition of opposition parties and activist groups.
This trip follows Trump's observance of the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, during which he also gave speeches at a political rally in Dallas. Prime Minister Martin had extended the invitation to visit Ireland when they met at the White House on St. Patrick's Day.
Trump, an avid golfer, frequently plays at clubs he owns. His attendance at the Irish Open continues a trend of his involvement in high-profile sporting events, including professional golf tournaments held at his properties in Florida and New Jersey this year. The Irish Open is the second European Tour event hosted at a Trump property in 2024, following a championship at his course in Aberdeen, Scotland, last month.