Irish Village Braces for Trump Visit as Golf Resort Prepares for Irish Open
Doonbeg, Ireland residents react to Trump's upcoming visit for the Irish Open, with some expressing political disagreement while the resort prepares.
As the Amgen Irish Open approaches, the village of Doonbeg on Ireland's west coast is preparing for a high-profile guest: US President Donald Trump, who is expected to visit his golf resort there later this month.
The White House has indicated Trump will be in Ireland on September 12 and 13, attending the tournament at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel. The visit is expected to include an event with US embassy workers and business officials.
Joe Russell, General Manager of the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland, said the President maintains a keen interest in the property. "He loves his golf course. He's always keen to see it and see, you know, what further improvements you could even make on what's there already," Russell said, adding that Trump's "attention to detail is phenomenal."
The resort is visibly preparing for the visit. New murals are being painted on walls, and lawns and gardens are being meticulously maintained. Trump-branded merchandise, from golf balls to pet beds, is on display, and a framed photograph featuring Irish dancers bears the President's signature.
However, not all in the community share the enthusiasm. Rita McInerney, a local business owner, expressed political disagreement with the President's record. "Politically, a lot of us would not agree with much of what the Trump presidency has done," she said. She also cautioned against judging the entire village by its association with the resort, calling it "a bit ingenuous" and "a bit of a cheap shot" to "vilify a small rural community."
Further afield in Dublin, opposition is more vocal. Jim Roche of the Irish Anti-War Movement called Trump "the world's number one warmonger" and "the most dangerous man in the world," citing threats against Iran. Anti-Trump posters have appeared in the capital.
For now, Doonbeg's residents and workers are balancing civic pride with political unease as they prepare to host a world leader amid a major sporting event.