Donald Trump has arrived in Dublin for talks with Irish President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin, before travelling across the country to his golf club in Doonbeg to watch the Irish Open.
The US president is due to hold separate meetings with the Irish leaders during his visit. He is also expected to address US and Irish business leaders at the official residence of the US ambassador in Dublin.
Security was stepped up around Phoenix Park, where Mr Trump is scheduled to meet Mr Martin at Farmleigh state guesthouse and visit Áras an Uachtaráin, the president’s residence. He will also stop at Deerfield, the US ambassador’s residence.
The visit has caused disruption in the capital, prompting criticism from some residents. Taxi driver Christopher Fox said: “He’s causing mayhem in this city because he wants to go down to Doonbeg and play golf. The world’s in turmoil and this fella’s down playing golf.”
University student Mina Petrovski criticised Mr Trump’s “attitudes towards women, towards immigrants, towards minority communities in general”, describing them as “abhorrent”. She said it was “shameful that the Irish government is welcoming him with open arms”.
A coalition of left-leaning opposition parties, anti-military groups, pro-Palestinian organisations, environmentalists and others is planning a demonstration against the president in Dublin.
Trump to attend Irish Open at Doonbeg
Mr Trump, a keen golfer, regularly plays at clubs he owns in Florida, New Jersey and Virginia. His attendance at the Irish Open follows appearances at other high-profile sporting events, while clubs in Doral, Florida, and Bedminster, New Jersey, have hosted professional golf tournaments this year.
The Irish Open is the second European Tour event to be staged at a Trump property this year. The Nexo Championship was held last month at his golf course in Aberdeen, Scotland.
