Trump Arrives in Dublin, Meets Micheál Martin and Catherine Connolly Before Irish Open

U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Dublin for a two-day visit that centers on the Amgen Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links and Hotel Doonbeg in County Clare, which he owns.

“Trump meeting Irish leader Micheál Martin during visit”

BBC

The BBC said Trump met Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Farmleigh House in Phoenix Park and made a courtesy call at Áras an Uachtaráin with Irish President Catherine Connolly.

ABC

The BBC also reported that Trump was greeted by Tánaiste Simon Harris and Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee at Dublin Airport on Saturday morning, before attending events at the US Ambassador to Ireland’s residence.

In a statement issued on Friday night in advance of Trump’s arrival, Martin told the BBC: "I look forward to welcoming President Trump to Ireland and to discussing the many issues of mutual interest".

The BBC added that Connolly, described as an outspoken Gaza activist, has come under pressure to raise Gaza during her brief meeting with Trump.

Ahead of Trump’s arrival, Irish authorities prepared for disruption in Dublin and Doonbeg, with rolling road closures around Dublin Airport from 7.30am until 9.30am and between 11.30am and 1.30pm.

RTÉ reported that Phoenix Park was closed to the public until events finished, with all gates closed at 11pm and expected to remain closed until 6pm, and it said attractions such as Dublin Zoo and Magazine Fort would be closed to visitors.

ABC News

Rory McIlroy told BBC Sport that Trump’s presence at the Irish Open would be different and that “logistically, it provides some challenges, absolutely,” while also saying, “But at the same time, if he wants to come and watch the Irish Open, who are we to say no?”

McIlroy said the tournament starts Thursday and that he expected crowds to be limited when Trump is there, adding that “It’s going to be different, but the one thing I’d say is his golf resorts have hosted PGA Tour events, European Tour events, LIV events.”

RTÉ also said a protest march is planned for Dublin city centre tomorrow to coincide with Trump’s visit, with the Irish Neutrality League saying people will assemble at the Garden of Remembrance at Parnell Square and march to the GPO at 1pm.

The BBC reported that President Connolly has been critical of the US and said Trump is acting "like a bully" over tariffs, and it said Sinn Féin and other parties have called on her to raise Gaza during her meeting with Trump.

“President Connolly, an outspoken Gaza activist who has been critical of the US and said Trump is acting "like a bully" over tariffs”

BBC

It also noted that Martin told the BBC’s Borderlands podcast this week, "We will have discussions with the president and there will be a reception in the American Embassy but I think he's also very anxious to get to Doonbeg and watch the Irish Open," linking the diplomacy to the tournament.

The BBC said Trump’s visit comes as Ireland is one of the most pro-Palestinian countries in the European Union and has been criticised for its stance by Israel.

In a separate report, POLITICO.eu described Irish planning as an effort to keep protesters out of sight and keep Trump’s focus on the Irish Open, quoting a senior Irish government official: “Smiling faces, nice pictures, no friction,”.P

POLITICO.eu also said Ireland’s priorities include limiting attacks on the “exceptional role” of U.S. drug and tech companies in fueling Ireland’s EU-leading economy while Trump is in the country. P