US President Donald Trump is due to arrive in Ireland on Saturday for a two-day visit that will include talks with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and President Catherine Connolly.
Trump will hold a courtesy meeting with Connolly before his bilateral meeting with Martin.
He will also attend events at the US ambassador’s residence in Dublin’s Phoenix Park before travelling to County Clare.
Trump is expected to watch the Amgen Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links and Hotel Doonbeg, which he owns.
Martin said he was looking forward to meeting Trump and discussing issues of mutual interest between Ireland and the US.
“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 said.
He also linked Trump’s visit to the Irish Open, saying he hoped the tournament would end with an Irish winner.
Trump left Joint Base Andrews near Washington DC on Friday night aboard Air Force One.
He previously visited Ireland in 2019, when he spent time at his Doonbeg golf resort, and returned in 2023.
Irish authorities have spent months preparing for the visit, which is expected to involve one of the largest security operations in the country’s history.
Thousands of people are expected to protest in Dublin, while another demonstration is planned in Doonbeg.
Trump’s sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr, are also expected to accompany him in Doonbeg.
Martin said Trump was keen to attend the golf tournament.
“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,” Martin said.
Trump, who is a keen golfer, had already indicated in July that he hoped to travel to Doonbeg for the tournament.
In a video message broadcast during the US Embassy’s Fourth of July celebrations, Trump said he wanted to watch Rory McIlroy and other leading players.
“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,” Trump said.
Trump’s meeting with Connolly is also expected to draw attention to the conflict in Gaza.
Connolly, who has been critical of US policy and previously described Trump as acting “like a bully” over tariffs, has faced calls to raise the Middle East conflict during their meeting.
Sinn Féin and other political parties that supported her presidential campaign have urged her to discuss Gaza with Trump.
Ireland is among the European Union countries with the strongest support for the Palestinians and has faced criticism from Israel over its position.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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