Trump Ireland Visit Draws Protests and Heavy Security

US President Donald Trump is visiting Ireland for two days on September 12–13, meeting President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Dublin before traveling to County Clare to attend the Irish Open at his Doonbeg golf resort. The trip has prompted one of the largest security operations in the history of the Irish state, with road closures, airport and venue restrictions, drone limits, a maritime exclusion zone and canceled Garda leave. Protests are planned in Dublin, Shannon and Doonbeg over Trump’s record, alleged sexual misconduct, the Gaza war and U.S. support for Israel, with some demonstrators using large banners, murals and provocative artwork. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said her party would join the protests and urged Irish leaders to raise concerns about Gaza and alleged breaches of international law with Trump. Authorities have declared the visit an extraordinary event and warned travelers of delays, although airports will remain open and some Doonbeg residents credit Trump’s resort with creating jobs and economic activity.