U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Edward Walsh told an audience in Dublin that President Donald Trump may make a trip to Ireland in September timed to coincide with the Irish Open golf tournament.
Walsh reported the potential visit on Thursday while speaking at an event hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland. According to his remarks, the visit would align with the dates for the Irish Open, scheduled for September 10 to 13.
The tournament will be played at Trump International Golf Club Doonbeg, a west coast resort owned by the Trump family. The event marks the first instance of the Irish Open being held at that venue; the property was acquired by Trump in 2014.
The ambassador's comments recall a previous presidential stop in Ireland: President Trump made an official visit in 2019 and stayed at the Doonbeg property during that trip.
Separately, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin is scheduled to meet President Trump at the White House next month as part of the annual St. Patrick's Day engagements between the two countries in Washington. Walsh's disclosure about the possible September trip came in the context of diplomatic and commercial ties discussed at the Chamber of Commerce event.
At present, the ambassador characterized the September travel as a potential visit rather than a confirmed trip. Details beyond the timing and venue were not provided in his remarks at the event.
Summary
U.S. Ambassador Edward Walsh indicated President Trump may travel to Ireland during the Irish Open, set for Sept. 10-13 at the Trump family-owned Doonbeg resort. The Doonbeg venue will host the tournament for the first time since Trump purchased it in 2014. Prime Minister Micheal Martin is due to meet Trump in Washington next month for the annual St. Patrick's Day meeting.
Key points
- The potential presidential visit would coincide with the Irish Open at Trump International Golf Club Doonbeg - sectors impacted: tourism, hospitality, sports.
- The Doonbeg resort is owned by the Trump family and was purchased in 2014; this is the first time the Irish Open will be held there - sectors impacted: leisure property and event hosting.
- Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin will meet President Trump at the White House next month for the annual St. Patrick's Day meeting - sectors impacted: diplomacy and governmental relations.
Risks and uncertainties
- The visit is described as a possibility, not a confirmed plan; scheduling could change - impacts diplomatic and event planning sectors.
- Details beyond timing and venue were not disclosed by the ambassador, leaving the scope and logistics of any trip uncertain - impacts tourism, hospitality, and local organizers.
- The announcement came as comments at a public event, so further official confirmation would be required before any assumptions about attendance or economic effects can be made - impacts markets and event stakeholders.