DOONBEG, Ireland — The small village of Doonbeg on Ireland’s west coast found itself in the international spotlight over the weekend as the Trump International golf resort hosted the conclusion of the Irish Open, drawing attention both for the sporting event and the presence of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump attended the tournament on Saturday and Sunday, following a stop in Dublin where he met with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and President Catherine Connolly. The visit marked another high-profile appearance amid strained relations between Trump and European leaders, particularly over policy disagreements concerning conflict in Iran, immigration, and energy.
Doonbeg, a rural community with a population of roughly 200, prepared for the influx of visitors with extensive local improvements, including fresh road paving and decorative bunting. Rita McInerney, a local councilor and lifelong resident, praised the efforts, highlighting the economic importance of the Trump-owned resort and the broader significance of maintaining strong diplomatic ties between Ireland and the United States. “There’s much of Donald Trump’s presidency and politics that I wouldn’t agree with,” she said, “but we also have to be mindful of the relationship between Ireland and the U.S.”
Conversely, some locals voiced sharp opposition to Trump’s visit. Mary O’Donoghue, a community worker, said she avoided the hotel because of its association with Trump and criticized the former president for what she sees as global and local harm, including rising fuel costs that have impacted living expenses. While recognizing pride among hotel staff for hosting the Irish Open for the first time, she added that many residents felt conflicted by his presence.
Trump’s relationship with Ireland has been complex. Despite deep cultural, economic, and diplomatic connections, polls consistently indicate low support for Trump among the Irish public. A February survey suggested that 61 percent of respondents were opposed to his attendance at the tournament. During past visits, including his 2019 trip that also included Doonbeg, large protests erupted, and similar demonstrations occurred in Dublin and around Shannon Airport this weekend under slogans such as “No Welcome for Trump.” Activists staged a sand mural in Dublin bearing the message “No Kings,” aiming to counter perceptions of broad Irish support for Trump.
Security around the golf resort was heightened in advance of the tournament, with road closures and a significant police presence managing the crowds drawn by the European Tour event, which featured star players such as Rory McIlroy.
The Trump Organization acquired the luxury hotel and golf course in 2014 for an estimated €15 million ($17 million), following a local development that began in the 1990s. The resort supports roughly 300 seasonal jobs, a critical factor for the region’s economy where employment opportunities are limited. For many local businesses, including Tubridy’s Bar & Restaurant on Doonbeg’s main street, hosting the Irish Open has been a boon, despite divided opinions on the Trump family’s ownership.
Among visitors, reactions to Trump varied widely. Sean Larkin, a 70-year-old from nearby Tullamore, expressed admiration for Trump as a golfer and straightforward individual, while his daughter Michelle chose to avoid political discussions altogether. Some longtime attendees of the Irish Open noted that a number of regular visitors had decided to skip the tournament this year due to Trump’s involvement, highlighting the polarized sentiments his presence continues to evoke even in small communities.