There is an “open invitation” for the US president to visit Ireland, the Taoiseach has said, as Donald Trump’s Co Clare resort was confirmed as the venue for next year’s Irish Open.
Trump International Golf Links Ireland in Doonbeg, Co Clare, was confirmed as the destination for the tournament under DP World Tour’s 2026 schedule.
The event will be held between September 10-13, according to the schedule.
There is “no question” that Mr Trump would be welcome to visit Ireland, the Taoiseach has said.
Micheál Martin said the relationship between Ireland and the US was “critically important”, adding that it supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country.
“In that context, there’s no question that President Trump would be welcome to Ireland, in terms of the underpinning of that US-Ireland relationship,” Mr Martin said.
“The national interest in Ireland is our relationship globally.”
He said there would be differences of opinion with the US, describing this as natural.
“We live in a democracy, we facilitate protests and people with different arguments. The fundaments are that we, in my view, continue to support that relationship because it puts bread on the table of a lot of Irish people.”
Last weekend Rory McIlroy claimed victory at the Amgen Irish Open after what Mr Martin described as a “fantastic finish” after “a few heart attacks on the way”.
Mr Martin highlighted the importance of sporting events like the Open and the upcoming NFL game at Croke Park for Irish tourism.
Speaking to reporters before a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, he said: “These are very significant events and the relationship with the United States underpins thousands and thousands of jobs in this country.”
Minister for Tourism Peter Burke (Brian Lawless/PA)
The US president’s son Eric said the Trump Organisation is “incredibly proud” that the tournament will be staged at its resort in Doonbeg.
In a statement, he said: “This tournament is one of the most celebrated events in golf, and bringing it to Trump Ireland is a true testament to the standard of excellence that’s upheld at this property.
“The course is absolutely remarkable, and we are honoured to welcome the DP World Tour, its players, and fans from across the globe to experience the beauty and challenge of our championship links.”
Meanwhile, tourism minister Peter Burke said Mr Trump would be a “welcome visitor in our country” as he emphasised the importance of increasing ties with the US.
However, Tánaiste and foreign affairs minister Simon Harris stopped short of welcoming the visit.
Pressed on whether he would welcome the Irish Open being held in Doonbeg and a visit by the US president, Mr Harris said: “Where the Irish Open is (held) is not a matter for me.”
“There are things that are matters for me, but this is a matter for the sponsor to the Irish Open and others.”
Mr Harris said he was “sure many people in Clare would very much welcome the economic benefit” of the event.
