US President Donald Trump hopes to visit Ireland in September to attend the Irish Open
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during the annual Friends of Ireland Luncheon on St Patrick’s Day(Image: Alex Wong/Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump is hopeful of attending the Irish Open golf tournament, set to be hosted at his own golf course later this year.
During a meeting with Taoiseach Micheal Martin in the Oval Office of the White House on St Patrick’s Day, Mr Trump shared his hopes of visiting Ireland in the autumn.
The Irish Open is scheduled to take place at Trump International Golf Links Ireland in Doonbeg, Co Clare in September. The President revealed that the Taoiseach had voiced his wish for him to be present at the event.
Speaking to reporters, Mr Trump said: “You have a tremendous golf tradition, and it was chosen for the Irish Open, which is a big deal. That’s a big event.” He continued: “Everybody wants me to be there. You (Mr Martin) just said, ‘I hope you’re going to go’.
“We’re going to try. We are going to try. But it would be an honour. It was a great honour to be chosen.
“They only choose the best courses in the world for the, you know, for the big opens – it’s one of the big ones.”
When questioned about objections to a ballroom extension at the resort, which involves the protection of a species of snail, the US President admitted he hadn’t heard about the specific issue but downplayed its significance.
“The course was built, and it’s been operated very successfully,” he added.
“An environmental group is objecting (because of) small snails? Doesn’t sound like the biggest problem. “.
The 2026 Amgen Irish Open is set to be played at the resort between September 10 and 13. Mr Trump last visited the golf course in 2023.
Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond.