Donald Trump is expected to travel to Ireland in September to attend the closing stages of the Irish Open at his own golf resort in Doonbeg. However, the US president’s visit is already threatening to overshadow events on the course.
According to a report published by TIME on August 27, several demonstrations are being planned for Trump’s visit from September 12 to 13. Protests are expected in Dublin, Shannon and near Trump International Golf Links in County Clare.
A “security nightmare” awaits
Irish Labour senator Nessa Cosgrove described the visit as a “security nightmare” and stressed that Ireland’s police force, An Garda Síochána, must be given sufficient resources to protect a serving US president.
Cosgrove also defended the right to peaceful protest, saying that significant demonstrations are expected and that Labour representatives plan to participate. Groups including the Irish Neutrality League and the Irish Anti-War Movement have announced their intention to join the protests.
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Organisers in Dublin have described their planned event as large but peaceful and family-friendly. A separate demonstration is being prepared near Doonbeg, placing the political controversy directly beside the golf tournament.
An Garda Síochána has declined to discuss the operational details of its security planning.
McIlroy returns as defending champion
The official DP World Tour event page confirms that the Irish Open will run from September 9 to 13 at Trump International Golf Links.
Rory McIlroy enters the tournament as defending champion after winning the 2025 edition. The Northern Irishman will be one of the event’s main attractions as he attempts to retain the title.
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Trump is expected to miss the opening days before attending the decisive weekend. His programme is also likely to include meetings with embassy personnel, business representatives and senior Irish political figures.
Golf becomes a political stage
Hosting the tournament at a property owned by the Trump family had already guaranteed international attention. The president’s decision to attend has raised the stakes considerably.
For the DP World Tour, the challenge will be ensuring that the golf remains the central attraction. With major protests and an extensive security operation taking shape, Trump may nevertheless become the most discussed figure at the Irish Open without hitting a single shot.
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