Donald Trump is due to visit Ireland next week, expected to meet President Catherine Connolly and several political figures as part of his itinerary. There are protests scheduled in Clare and Dublin, where the US President is due to spend the majority of his time.
Trump will land in Ireland on Saturday, September 12. On arrival at Dublin Airport, he is expected to be greeted on the runway by a senior member of government, with Tánaiste Simon Harris likely to carry out the formal welcome.
Trump is expected to avoid Dublin city centre during his visit to Ireland. His presence coincides with the Liffey Swim, which attracts large crowds along the quays and would present an additional logistical and security challenge.
His movements in Dublin are expected to be largely confined to Phoenix Park, which will be locked down for the duration of the visit. The security arrangements are likely to limit opportunities for protesters to demonstrate along his route.
Trump is expected to travel to Phoenix Park for a brief 30-minute courtesy call at Áras an Uachtaráin with President Connolly before proceeding to Farmleigh House for a bilateral meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Connolly has previously been critical of the US administration. In March 2026, she said that “the normalisation of war can never be accepted”.
She has also been vocal about international affairs. In a conversation with RTÉ, she described the US as an “imperial power” contributing to the world’s current instability.
During a campaign debate in the run-up to the Irish presidential election, Connolly gave a measured response when asked about the prospect of meeting Mr Trump, saying, “If it’s just a meet and greet, then I will meet and greet.”
However, she was also asked whether she would challenge Trump’s backing of Israel in its genocide in Gaza. Connolly said that “genocide was enabled and resourced by American money,” while reiterating that she would “meet and greet” Trump during his visit.
Earlier this year, as the Taoiseach was preparing to meet Trump in the White House during St Patrick’s Day celebrations, Connolly said: “We must renew our commitment to peace and diplomacy in line with the principles of international law as set out in the United Nations charter, now more than ever”.
Asked about those comments, Trump misgendered Connolly, saying, “he is lucky I exist”.
On the evening of September 12, Trump is expected to travel to Doonbeg, Co Clare, where he will attend the Irish Open golf tournament at Trump International Golf Links.
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Many local and national groups have shared that they intend to take part in protests during Trump’s visit. A Dublin-based demonstration entitled ‘No Welcome For Trump’ will start at the Garden of Remembrance at 1pm on Saturday, September 12. Groups involved include the Irish Neutrality League, ROSA, United Against Racism, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and The Irish Anti-War Movement.
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