US President Donald Trump is visiting Ireland for a 48-hour trip that combines diplomatic meetings with an appearance at the Irish Open golf tournament at his resort in Doonbeg.
Trump is scheduled to meet Irish President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Dublin before travelling to County Clare, where his Trump International Golf Links is hosting the tournament. The meetings are not part of an official state visit.
The visit comes at a time when Washington and Dublin maintain strong economic ties but have differences over several international issues, including the conflict in Iran and Ireland's policies concerning Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.
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Martin invited Trump to Ireland during a meeting in Washington on St Patrick's Day earlier this year. Irish officials have emphasised the importance of maintaining strong relations with the United States, particularly because American companies play a significant role in Ireland's economy.
Trump's meeting with Connolly is also attracting attention because the Irish president has previously been critical of some of his policies. Connolly protested during Trump's 2019 visit to Ireland, although her current position as president is largely ceremonial.
After his meetings in Dublin, Trump is expected to travel to his golf resort in Doonbeg to attend the Irish Open, which is being held there for the first time. He is also expected to play a role in the tournament's closing ceremony and may present the winner's trophy.
The visit has prompted a major security operation, with demonstrations expected in Dublin and around the Doonbeg area. Critics have raised concerns about Trump's policies, while supporters of his resort point to its contribution to tourism and employment in the region.
Trump's Ireland trip therefore combines presidential diplomacy with one of his long-standing interests: golf. The meetings with Irish leaders are expected to focus on maintaining bilateral relations despite differences over trade, foreign policy and other issues.
The visit also highlights the unusual circumstances surrounding the Irish Open, as the tournament is being staged at a property owned by the sitting US president. Trump is expected to return to the United States after the weekend's events.