Taoiseach Micheál Martin says there is "no question" that US President Donald Trump would be welcome to visit Ireland when the Irish Open is hosted at the Trump Organization's golf links in Doonbeg, Co Clare, next year.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the day it was confirmed that the 2026 Irish Open will be staged in Doonbeg, the Taoiseach highlighted the "critically important relationship" between Ireland and the US.
“Economically, it supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in this country," he told reporters in Dublin. "Culturally, in terms of the long cultural engagement for artists and our writers. Family to family, in terms of our diaspora and relationships.
“And in that context, there's no question that President Trump would be welcome to Ireland in terms of the underpinning of that US-Ireland relationship."
The Taoiseach noted that Ireland's relationship with the US - as well as its relationships with the UK and EU - "are critical sets of relationships that underpin Irish society and our economy."
He acknowledged that "there will be differences of opinion in terms of issues and conflicts," adding that that's "natural when we live in a democracy."
He added: "We’ll facilitate protests, but in my view, we should continue to support that relationship because it puts bread on the table of a lot of Irish people."
Earlier this year, the Taoiseach extended an "open invitation" for the US President to visit while he was in Washington, DC, for St. Patrick's Day engagements.
Trump visited Doonbeg twice during his first term as President, and most recently visited in a personal capacity in 2023.
Announcing its 2026 global tournament schedule, DP World Tour confirmed on Wednesday that next year's Amgen Irish Open will be played at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg from September 10-13.
The Irish Open was last staged in Co Clare when it was hosted in Lahinch in 2019. That event "generated significant economic, social, and media impact," Clare County Council said, adding that more than 100,000 visitors flocked to the region.
Trump International Golf Links and Hotel, Doonbeg. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Eric Trump, son of US President Donald Trump and Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization, said in a statement Wednesday: "This tournament is one of the most celebrated events in golf, and bringing it to Trump Ireland is a true testament to the standard of excellence that's upheld at this property.
"The course is absolutely remarkable, and we are honored to welcome the DP World Tour, its players, and fans from across the globe to experience the beauty and challenge of our championship links."
Joe Russell, General Manager of Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland, added: "Trump Ireland is honoured to host the Amgen Irish Open for the first time in the resort's history. This moment reflects the vision of the local community, who first championed the development of this resort, and the unwavering support of the Trump Family and The Trump Organization, whose commitment to both the golf course and hotel has been vital to our success.
"Trump Ireland's rugged Atlantic setting and challenging design will offer a true test of skill and resilience for the world's finest golfers."
Clare County Council also welcomed the announcement on Wednesday, with Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Gordon Daly, predicting that The Irish Open "will provide a welcome boost to the local economy, support job creation and enhance Clare’s reputation on the international stage."
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