US President Donald Trump has arrived in Ireland for a visit that has sparked widespread protests across the country, with demonstrators making clear that opposition to his presence runs deep.
Trump headed to Doonbeg in County Clare, where he owns a golf resort, to attend the Irish Open. The visit came after he made a surprising statement backing a united Ireland, a comment that caught many political observers off guard and added an unexpected dimension to what was already a closely watched trip.
But not everyone was in the mood to roll out the welcome mat. Independent TD Mick Wallace was among those who took a strong public stance against the visit, with fellow politician Clare Daly and others joining voices in opposition. Connolly, speaking out during the visit, said that the normalisation of war and genocide is something that can never be accepted, a pointed reference to US foreign policy positions that have drawn fierce criticism both in Ireland and internationally.
Protests were held at various locations around the country as Trump made his way through Ireland. Demonstrators gathered to voice anger over a range of issues, from US support for military actions abroad to domestic policies that have alarmed many Irish people watching from across the Atlantic.
The Doonbeg resort has long been a personal retreat for Trump, and visits there tend to draw a mix of local curiosity and organised opposition. This trip was no different. While some locals welcomed the economic attention the visit brings to the small Clare village, others made clear they wanted no part in what they see as lending legitimacy to the US president.
Trumps comments on a united Ireland were the talking point that dominated much of the political conversation ahead of and during the visit. The remarks were unexpected given the sensitivity of the issue and the traditional caution American presidents tend to exercise when it comes to the constitutional question on the island of Ireland. Whether the comments reflect a genuine policy shift or were more off the cuff remains to be seen, but they landed with considerable impact.
Irish political figures across the spectrum responded carefully, with some cautiously welcoming the sentiment while others warned against reading too much into a passing remark from a president known for going off script.
The protests themselves were largely peaceful, with crowds carrying banners and chanting outside venues connected to the visit. Organisers had called for a strong turnout in the days leading up to Trumps arrival, and by most accounts the response was significant. Activists pointed to Irelands historical experience of colonialism and conflict as reasons why the country should not be seen to quietly accept the presence of a leader whose policies they argue have contributed to suffering abroad.
Security arrangements around the visit were extensive, with roads closed and a heavy garda presence reported in Clare and surrounding areas. The Irish Open itself continued as planned, with the Trump visit adding an unavoidable political backdrop to what is normally a straightforward sporting occasion.
For now, the debate over how Ireland should engage with Trump, both officially and publicly, is very much alive. The taoiseach and other senior government figures walked a careful line, maintaining diplomatic courtesy while the streets outside told a different story.