The Taoiseach has said there is an “open invitation” for the US president to visit Ireland, as Donald Trump’s Co Clare resort was confirmed as the venue for next year’s Irish Open
Rory McIlroy pictured with Donald Trump in 2016(Image: Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
The Taoiseach has extended an “open invitation” to the US president to visit Ireland, 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, has been announced as the location for the tournament under DP World Tour’s 2026 schedule.
The event is scheduled to take place from 10-13 September with Rory McIlroy putting his title back on the line. Just last weekend, McIlroy clinched victory at the Amgen Irish Open, a win that Taoiseach Micheal Martin described as a “fantastic finish” after “a few heart attacks on the way”.
Mr Martin emphasised the significance of sporting events like the Open and the forthcoming NFL game at Croke Park for Irish tourism.
Speaking to journalists prior to a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, he stated: “These are very significant events and the relationship with the United States underpins thousands and thousands of jobs in this country.”
Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Peter Burke said Mr Trump would be a “welcome visitor in our country”, highlighting the importance of strengthening ties with the US.
However, Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris refrained from extending a welcome for the visit.
When asked if he would welcome the Irish Open being held in Doonbeg and a visit by the US president, Mr Harris responded: “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 expressed that he was “sure many people in Clare would very much welcome the economic benefit” of the event.
