Dublin Residents Split on Trump's Upcoming Ireland Visit
Ahead of Donald Trump's weekend trip to Ireland, Dublin residents voiced divided opinions on the visit, weighing US-Irish ties against concerns over his policies.
Dublin residents offered sharply divided opinions on Friday about US President Donald Trump's impending visit to Ireland, as authorities closed roads near Phoenix Park and police were deployed at key entrances.
Signs posted around the park announced closures for September 11 and 12, with barriers blocking access ahead of the president's arrival. Trump is scheduled to fly to Ireland after marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which killed more than 3,000 people in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.
He plans to spend the weekend at his golf resort in Doonbeg on Ireland's Atlantic coast, where Trump International Golf Links is hosting the Irish Open, which began on Thursday. An avid golfer, Trump regularly plays at courses he owns in Florida, New Jersey and Virginia. Prime Minister Micheál Martin extended the invitation during a St. Patrick's Day trip to Washington in March.
Christopher Fox, a Dublin taxi driver, said most Irish people did not support the visit. "The man's causing trouble all over the world. There's no peace," he said, adding that Trump should pursue dialogue rather than conflict.
Student Diarmuid Coyle struck a different tone, arguing that the relationship between Ireland and the United States should not be damaged because of any single leader. "The relationship we have with a certain country should not be ruined just because of an individual," he said, noting that while some may disagree with Trump's conduct and policies, the bond with a longstanding ally should remain strong.
Musician Donal Lunny said he had not considered what the visit might bring to Ireland, but described Trump as welcome to play golf. He pointed to the deep connections between the two countries, citing the many Irish people who have relatives in the United States.
Student Mia Petrovski questioned how far such ties should be prioritised. She said there comes a point when people must take a stand, arguing that the issues at stake go beyond politics to human rights.
During his stay, Trump is expected to discuss trade and international matters with Martin and hold a brief meeting with President Catherine Connolly, who was elected Ireland's ceremonial head of state last year. He will also address business leaders at the US ambassador's residence, according to the White House, before travelling to Doonbeg for the tournament, where he may present the winner's trophy on Sunday.
The two countries share close historical and economic links. Around 30 million Americans claim Irish heritage, and more than a million visit Ireland each year. US technology and pharmaceutical firms employ over 200,000 people in Ireland, and the Irish Treasury collects billions in corporate tax from them. Although Ireland belongs to the European Union, a frequent target of Trump's criticism, its pharmaceutical sector has so far escaped steep tariffs.