US President Donald Trump landed in Ireland on 2 September 2026 for a two-day visit combining official meetings with Irish leaders and attendance at a major golf championship. According to reporting on his arrival, Trump touched down at Dublin Airport on Saturday morning before proceeding to a schedule of diplomatic engagements and sporting events.
During his time in the capital, Trump conducted a courtesy meeting with Irish President Catherine Connolly and held a bilateral discussion with Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin. He also participated in events at the residence of US Ambassador to Ireland Ed Walsh in Dublin's Phoenix Park and delivered remarks at Deerfield, the ambassador's official residence.
Following his Dublin engagements, Trump travelled to County Clare to attend the Amgen Irish Open golf tournament at Trump International Golf Links and Hotel Doonbeg, which he owns. The tournament runs from 10 to 13 September 2026, and Trump's visit has been timed to coincide with the tournament's closing stages. His sons Eric and Donald Trump Junior are expected to join him in Doonbeg.
This represents Trump's first visit to the Republic since 2019, when he also spent time at his golf course. The Irish Open was officially awarded to Trump International Golf Links Ireland in Doonbeg for 2026, marking the first occasion the tournament has been hosted at the venue.
What did Trump say about Irish unity?
During his visit, Trump expressed support for the reunification of Ireland, stating he would "love to see it unified" and suggesting it "may as well happen now." He predicted that unification "is going to happen eventually" and appeared to cast Micheál Martin as the person capable of making it happen. Trump said: "I'd love to see it unified. I think it would be a great feather in everybody's cap if that happened. It's going to happen eventually. You know what? The way I look at it, it's going to happen eventually. It may as well happen now." He later characterised the prospect as something that "would be cool," though he acknowledged there was "no good answer" to the question.
His comments drew swift responses from Northern Ireland's unionist parties. DUP leader Gavin Robinson stated that "Northern Ireland's constitutional future will be decided by the people of Northern Ireland, not by commentary in London, Dublin or Washington," emphasising that the region's status reflects "the settled democratic will of its people." TUV leader Jim Allister said Trump "is not the first US president to meddle in the affairs which don't concern him," while Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA noted that although Trump was "entitled to express his view," only the people of Northern Ireland could decide their constitutional future under the principle of consent enshrined in the Belfast Agreement.
A spokesperson for Micheál Martin said the Taoiseach's position on the Good Friday agreement and programme for government commitments remained unchanged. Prime Minister Andy Burnham similarly confirmed his position on Irish unification remained unchanged, stating: "I am not aware that there is majority public support for another referendum, and until that changes, there will not be one."
What gifts were exchanged?
President Connolly presented Trump with symbolic gifts including a St Brigid's Cross, traditionally associated with peace, along with a collection of poetry that included Michael Longley's sonnet Ceasefire. The symbolism of these gifts was notable given Connolly's previous criticism of Trump. Before winning the Irish presidency—a ceremonial post—last year, Connolly was an independent leftwing member of parliament for Galway who protested against Trump's 2019 visit and more recently criticised him over his positions on Gaza, Iran and other issues.
What did Trump say about Middle East issues?
Trump addressed several international matters during his Dublin visit. He claimed the Houthi group had asked the US not to intervene in maritime routes and said he believed Iran may have been responsible for a recent drone strike on Saudi oil infrastructure. Regarding the conflict in Gaza, Trump stated it was "all but over" after he "put out the fires," and claimed Iran was two weeks away from obtaining a nuclear weapon when the US and Israel began military operations in February. He predicted the war with Iran would end after US midterm elections in November, adding that "oil prices will come tumbling down" once that happens.
Security and public response
What level of security has been deployed for the visit? Irish authorities prepared for Trump's arrival in what officials describe as one of the largest security operations in the state's history. According to reporting on the security arrangements, the state security bill for the visit was estimated at approximately €20 million.
Thousands of people participated in protests in Dublin, with additional demonstrations planned in Doonbeg. When asked about the demonstrations, Trump said: "I didn't know there was a protest. It can't be a very big one because we've been all over Ireland today already, it's early in the morning… but I haven't seen any protest. It's a friendly protest."
During his speech at Deerfield, Trump praised the Irish people, saying: "This country is fantastic, it's just a fantastic place, I love it. I have investments here but that's not why I love it. I like it because of its special people, you have unbelievable people in Ireland." He also offered a characterisation of Irish character, noting: "There's a friendliness. There's also a viciousness and a toughness. Let me tell you, you are some of the most vicious bastards... but when you want to be nice, there is nobody nicer."
Who will compete in the tournament?
What calibre of golfers will participate in the Irish Open? The championship features prominent international players competing for the title. Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm are among the high-profile competitors set to take part in the tournament. In a video message recorded for the US Embassy's Fourth of July celebration event in July, Trump expressed his enthusiasm for attending the event.
There's nothing better than Irish-American friendship and I have a beautiful place over there - it's 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. They call it Trump National, we sometimes use the name of the location, but it's Trump National Golf Club, and we're looking forward to it. We're going to have a tremendous celebration. I think I'm going to come over and I'm going to see it and watch. It'll be something very, very special.
In that same message, Trump indicated his desire to observe Rory McIlroy and other top players competing at the course.
What have Irish leaders said?
How are Irish officials responding to the visit? Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed his welcome for Trump's arrival. In a statement released ahead of the president's touchdown, Martin said:
I look forward to welcoming President Trump to Ireland and to discussing the many issues of mutual interest and reaffirming the strong economic, cultural and people-to-people ties between Ireland and the United States.
Martin further commented on the sporting dimension of the visit:
His visit comes during a remarkable sporting summer for Ireland, and the United States and this weekend's Irish Open at Trump International Doonbeg will be a fitting conclusion to an outstanding season of sport, and I hope we will see an Irish winner lifting the trophy on Sunday.
When speaking to a national broadcaster's podcast earlier in the week, Martin elaborated on the planned itinerary, noting that "We will have discussions with the president and there will be a reception at the American Embassy but I think he's also very anxious to get to Doonbeg and watch the Irish Open."
What happens next?
The Irish Open is scheduled to conclude on 13 September 2026 at Doonbeg. Trump is expected to depart Ireland on Monday morning following the weekend visit, though the specific departure airport has not been confirmed. The timing of the visit has been arranged to allow Trump to return to the United States for the 25th anniversary commemoration of 9/11.
Key Facts
- Trump arrived in Dublin on 2 September 2026 for a two-day visit combining official meetings and golf tournament attendance
- The state security operation for the visit was estimated to cost approximately €20 million
- The Irish Open runs from 10 to 13 September 2026 at Trump International Golf Links Ireland in Doonbeg, the first time the tournament has been hosted there
- High-profile golfers including Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm are competing in the championship
- Trump expressed support for Irish reunification, prompting swift responses from Northern Ireland's unionist parties reaffirming that only the people of Northern Ireland can decide their constitutional future
