As Donald Trump made a brief appearance in the members’ bar of his Doonbeg hotel and golf club on Saturday, September 12, 2026, crowds greeted the 80-year-old US president with chants of ‘USA’ and ‘four more years.’ The visit occurred during the Irish Open, where his helicopters caused minor gameplay disruptions.
The Bottom Line
- High-Profile Disruption: President Trump’s marine transport caused logistical adjustments during the Irish Open gameplay on Saturday afternoon.
- Polarized Reception: While supporters in Doonbeg and members inside the club chanted slogans and sang traditional songs, thousands participated in large-scale protests in Dublin and Clare.
- Diplomatic Engagements: Prior to arriving in Doonbeg, Trump met with Taoiseach Micheál Martin—where discussions touched on a united Ireland—and was received by President Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin.
Doonbeg Arrival and the Members’ Bar Reception
According to reports from The Journal, Donald Trump arrived at the Irish Open during the afternoon of Saturday, September 12, 2026. His helicopters caused a slight disruption of the gameplay as they landed at the venue.
Accompanied by his sons Eric and Donald Jr., Trump watched a portion of the tournament before walking through the members’ bar inside the club. As he navigated the small crowd, members initiated chants of ‘USA’ that quickly shifted to ‘four more years.’ Observers also began singing The Fields of Athenry while the 80-year-old waved and pumped his fist.
Wider Protests Across Dublin and Clare
The warm reception inside the Doonbeg clubhouse stood in stark contrast to public demonstrations elsewhere in the country. Thousands of people turned out to protest Trump’s visit to Dublin earlier that same day, criticizing both the US president and the welcoming posture of the Irish government amid one of the biggest policing operations in the history of the State.
Additional demonstrations materialized in County Clare. Approximately 100 protesters gathered in Shannon and Doonbeg to voice opposition, chanting slogans such as “free Palestine” and calling for the removal of the U.S. military from Shannon Airport as Marine One flew overhead.
Political Discussions in the Capital
Before traveling to Clare, Trump engaged in high-level diplomatic meetings in Dublin. At Áras an Uachtaráin, he shook hands with President Catherine Connolly. Known as a long-time critic of Trump and his policies, Connolly invited him to sign the visitors’ book in the state reception room and presented him with several notable items, including an anthology of collected poems by Michael Longley featuring the sonnet ‘Ceasefire,’ a copy of Navigatio Sancti Brendani – The Voyage of St Brendan carrying a message on immigration, and a St Brigid’s Cross as a symbol of peace.
Subsequent discussions between Trump and Taoiseach Micheál Martin generated unexpected headlines. When reporters raised the topic of Irish reunification, Trump stated that he would “love” to see the island united, suggesting that if the unification is bound to happen eventually, “why not now?”
| Location | Key Event | Reported Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|
| Dublin (Áras an Uachtaráin) | Meeting with President Catherine Connolly | Formal; presentation of literary and symbolic gifts regarding peace and immigration. |
| Dublin | Meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin | Diplomatic; discussions included remarks supporting a united Ireland. |
| Dublin & Clare | Public Demonstrations | Contentious; thousands protested against the visit and associated security operations. |
| Doonbeg Golf Club | Appearance at the Irish Open and Members’ Bar | Mixed; helicopter disruption followed by supportive chants of ‘USA’ and ‘four more years.’ |
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
