US President Donald Trump has said he is considering visiting Ireland for the Irish Open golf tournament this autumn.
Around 70,000 people are expected to attend this year’s tournament at the Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg in Co Clare from 10 to 13 September, reports RTE.
Speaking during a pre-recorded video played at the US ambassador’s 4 July party in Dublin, President Trump praised the hotel and golf course.
“It’s one of the best most beautiful golf courses anywhere in the world. I won’t mention its name, but maybe I should actually, reports RTE.
“We have the Irish Open going to be there. We’re going to have a tremendous celebration.
“I think I’m going to come over and I’m going to see it. We’re going to watch Rory [McIlroy] and all the great players and it’ll be something very, very special,” President Trump said, reports RTE.
The US president also extended his warmest greetings to the Taoiseach, calling him a “fantastic guy” whom he has gotten to know really well.
Speculation has been growing that the US president would attend the event as he previously indicated he was considering a visit, reports RTE.
Mr Trump has visited the golf resort a number of times since the Trump Organisation acquired the property in Co Clare in 2014, including on an official trip to Ireland during his first presidential term in 2019.
On St Patrick’s Day, he told RTÉ News that he hoped to attend the Irish Open at Doonbeg and that it would be an honour to be there, reports RTE.
Last month, Trump International Golf Resort in Doonbeg said it had not received confirmation that the US president would attend the event in September.
Speaking at a media briefing in June, General Manager Joe Russell said: “We have no confirmation that he is coming, reports RTE.
“We know that he wants to come, but no confirmation yet that he will be here.”
There are 784 people living in Doonbeg according to the latest census, and 305 people work in the Trump International resort during peak season, reports RTE.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
