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US President Donald Trump arrived in Dublin on September 12 2026 to begin a two-day visit that centres on meetings with Ireland’s president and prime minister before he travels west for a golf tournament. He held a courtesy call with President Catherine Connolly at her official residence and then sat down for bilateral talks with Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Farmleigh House in Phoenix Park. The encounters come as Trump departs from recent focus on the Iran conflict and domestic midterm campaigning according to Reuters. Martin has described the transatlantic relationship as economically vital for both nations.[[1]](https://www.reuters.com/world/trump-visit-irelands-leaders-before-attending-golf-tournament-2026-09-12/)
The Irish prime minister issued a statement on the eve of the arrival that expressed anticipation for the discussions. Martin said he looked forward to welcoming President Trump to Ireland and to discussing the many issues of mutual interest and reaffirming the strong economic cultural and people-to-people ties between Ireland and the United States. US-owned companies employ roughly 10 percent of Ireland’s workers a contribution that has helped deliver some of Europe’s strongest public finances in recent years Reuters reported. The meeting builds on Martin’s earlier White House encounter with Trump on St Patrick’s Day when trade imbalances and investment flows dominated the agenda. Irish officials have consistently framed the relationship as mutually beneficial with Irish firms also creating jobs in the United States.
Potential discussion topics include trade cooperation and Irish calls for peace amid ongoing Middle East tensions Irish Central reported. Martin told reporters earlier that the two sides would address the need for a cessation of hostilities while maintaining focus on economic links. Connolly who protested Trump’s 2019 visit as an opposition politician now meets him in her capacity as head of state a shift that underscores the diplomatic necessities involved. The visit was not designated as a full state occasion yet it still prompted a major security deployment across Dublin and County Clare. Protests are planned in both locations according to several Irish outlets.
Extensive planning has gone into the logistics with Trump travelling by helicopter between sites to avoid city-centre disruption. A reception at the US ambassador’s residence in Phoenix Park formed part of the Dublin programme before the president flew to his Trump International Golf Links and Hotel in Doonbeg. That venue is hosting the Amgen Irish Open a DP World Tour event that concludes on Sunday when Trump is expected to present the trophy. The combination of presidential diplomacy and personal business at the resort he has owned since 2014 has drawn mixed reactions in Ireland. Local authorities have allocated significant resources to ensure public safety during the tournament US News noted.
Martin previously invited Trump to the Irish Open when the pair met in Washington and the president confirmed he would try to attend. The golf component adds a personal dimension to the trip that has been widely reported in both American and Irish media. Economic ties remain the central pillar of bilateral relations with successive Irish governments prioritising American investment. Martin has voiced confidence that Garda resources can manage the demands of the visit despite the concurrent EU presidency duties. The trip concludes on Sunday when Trump departs after the golf finale.
Talks between the two leaders are also expected to touch on artificial intelligence opportunities and broader investment flows that have expanded since their March meeting in Washington. Ireland’s goods trade surplus with the United States reached record levels in recent years largely driven by pharmaceutical exports a point Trump has raised in past discussions. Officials on both sides have sought to emphasise the two-way street of investment to counter any perception of imbalance. The courtesy call with Connolly lasted around 30 minutes according to Irish government sources before the more substantive session with Martin. Joint remarks followed the bilateral meeting to underline shared priorities.
