Donald Trump is scheduled to fly into Dublin on Saturday morning for a two-day visit centred on golf, in a trip that requires him to meet Ireland’s president, Catherine Connolly, a vocal critic of the US leader.
Connolly has called Trump abhorrent and described him as an abuser of power. The meeting, dictated by diplomatic protocol, brings together two figures who have offered little public warmth toward one another. In his only previous comment on Connolly, Trump appeared to mistake her for a man.
Protests are expected across Ireland during the visit, where opposition to Trump has grown over US policy on Gaza. Public sentiment in the country has run strongly against the war, and organisers have signalled demonstrations in Dublin and other cities.
Connolly, who holds a largely ceremonial post, has long regarded the United States as an untrustworthy power. Her stance has fuelled speculation over how the encounter will unfold, with some Irish commentators hoping she confronts Trump directly and others urging restraint to preserve the bilateral relationship.
The visit centres on Trump’s golf interests in Ireland rather than formal state business. Trump owns a golf resort at Doonbeg in County Clare, and his trips to the country have historically combined leisure with brief official engagements.
The backdrop of the visit is continued anger over the conflict in Gaza, a subject that has shaped European public opinion and complicated Washington’s diplomatic ties across the continent. Trump’s Middle East approach has drawn criticism, including his handling of a proposed deal on Hamas disarmament and a phased Israeli withdrawal.
Irish officials have not detailed the format of the Connolly meeting or whether Gaza will feature in discussions. The president’s office has kept its public comments limited ahead of the arrival.
Trump’s two-day itinerary is expected to conclude with time at his golf property before his departure. The meeting between the two leaders is set to take place during the opening stage of the visit on Saturday.