Trump Arrives in Ireland, Calls Irish Reunification 'Inevitable' in Meetings With President Connolly and Taoiseach Martin

President Trump arrived in Dublin on Saturday, September 12, 2026, for a two-day visit centered on the Irish Open golf tournament at his Doonbeg course, beginning with diplomatic engagements before shifting to Co. Clare. He held separate meetings with Irish President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin, then addressed US and Irish business leaders at the US ambassador's residence, describing the US-Ireland relationship as better than ever. Trump said Irish reunification was 'inevitable' and 'may as well happen now,' remarks that drew criticism given the topic's sensitivity for Northern Ireland's unionist community. His arrival triggered large protests, including what police described as one of the biggest policing operations in Irish history in Dublin city centre, plus roughly 100 demonstrators at Shannon Airport chanting 'US military out of Shannon.' At the Doonbeg resort, Trump received an enthusiastic welcome from guests chanting 'USA' in the members' bar alongside his son Eric, telling the crowd, 'You're some of the most vicious bastards I've ever done business [with],' in an affectionate reference to Irish deal-making.