Trump arrives in Ireland, meets Taoiseach Micheál Martin

US President Donald Trump arrived in Ireland on Saturday for a two-day visit, beginning with a courtesy call on Irish President Catherine Connolly at her official residence, Áras an Uachtaráin. He then travelled to Farmleigh House in Phoenix Park to meet Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

Trump was greeted at Dublin Airport by Tánaiste Simon Harris and Foreign Minister Helen McEntee. His itinerary also includes events at the US Ambassador's residence before he attends the Amgen Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links and Hotel in Doonbeg, County Clare, a course he owns.

Pressure over Gaza

President Connolly, an outspoken Gaza activist who has previously criticised Trump's approach to tariffs, has faced calls from Sinn Féin and other parties to raise the issue of Gaza during her meeting with the US president. Ireland is regarded as one of the EU's most pro-Palestinian countries, a stance that has drawn criticism from Israel.

Protests and security

Thousands of people are expected to take part in protests in both Dublin and Doonbeg. A small number of crowd-control barriers have been placed near the US Embassy in central Dublin, although Trump is not scheduled to visit the building.

Trump flew to Ireland aboard Air Force One after departing Joint Base Andrews near Washington DC on Friday night. He previously visited Ireland in 2019 and 2023. His sons Eric and Donald Trump Jr are expected to join him in Doonbeg.

Ahead of the visit, Martin said he looked forward to discussing issues of mutual interest and reaffirming economic, cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries, adding he hoped an Irish golfer would win the tournament on Sunday.