Resort’s general manager Joe Russell says there’s ‘no evidence’ the stampede has anything to do with presidential win
Just as leading US business figures embrace the Trump presidency, the general manager of Trump Doonbeg, Joe Russell, said yesterday the resort had this month recorded “the highest-ever number in new membership sales”.
Mr Russell said that the highest monthly tally also takes in the years before 2014, when the Trump Organisation purchased the resort.
He remarked that the joining fee – €25,000 – “seems to be a good number for people”.
Mr Russell said that the new membership sales are being driven from people in the US.
“Two-thirds of our membership are international, with the vast bulk of those from the US,” the long-serving general manager added.
“It’s been a record month so far for new memberships, following a tremendous performance in 2024.”
Asked if the election of Trump was a factor in the upsurge in new membership sales, Mr Russell said: “We have no evidence to that particular fact – that is not being said to us.
“What I do know is that the Trump Organisation do golf really well and the investment the Trumps have made in Doonbeg has been absolutely huge and people are following,” he said.
The Trump International Golf Club in Doonbeg, Co Clare. Photo: PA
The Trump Organisation has ploughed in excess of €40m, including the purchase price, into the resort.
Mr Russell said that some of those who have signed up from the US are already members of Trump golf courses in the US.
He added that the work of a 28-strong team of golf course employees “makes sure the golf course is one of the best conditioned in Ireland”.
Last year, he said, was “an exceptional year for us and already 2025 is pacing ahead of 2024” in terms of bookings.
“All key components of our business for 2025 is looking very strong in comparison to the same time last year,” he added.
Mr Russell said the resort is currently closed and will open for weekends in February and March before “it is full steam ahead with the resort fully open from April to the end of October”.
He said the Christmas period at Trump Doonbeg “was very busy and it is always very gratifying to see people booking again for next Christmas before they go out the door”.
The 2023 accounts filed last month show that operating profits at the luxury golf resort more than doubled to €2.06m in 2023, in a record year for the business.
This followed revenues rising by 12pc from €14.36m to €16.12m.
The Co Clare resort is generating record returns on the back of visitors paying lead prices for an Ocean View suite during high season in 2024, costing €2,720 per night and with green fee rates peaking at €450 per person.
Green fees are to rise this year to €525, which Mr Russell said is “testament to the ongoing demand for our hotel and golf course, the product and service levels provided at Trump Doonbeg”.
The Trump Organisation owns 15 golf courses – 11 in the US, two in Scotland, one in Ireland and one in the United Arab Emirates.
