Summary

  • US President Donald Trump is in Ireland as part of a two-day visit to the country

  • He has landed at Shannon Airport, and is on his way to his golf resort in Doonbeg, County Clare, where the Irish Open golf tournament is being held

  • Asked earlier by reporters about the prospect of a united Ireland, Trump said he doesn't want to "cause any problems" but thinks it would be a "great thing", adding: "I'd love to see it unified"

  • No 10 has responded to the remarks, while the Democratic Unionist Party says Northern Ireland's constitutional future "won't be decided by commentary in London, Dublin or Washington"

  • Trump held separate meetings earlier with Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin and Irish President Catherine Connolly

  • Traffic is at a standstill in parts of Dublin city centre as a protest with more than 10,000 people made its way through the Irish capital

  • Trump's comments could be more than just a random, off-the-cuff remark ahead of the US midterm elections, writes our correspondent

  1. Thanks for joining uspublished at 15:28 BST

    That brings our coverage of day one of US President Donald Trump's visit to Ireland to a close.

    You can read all of what happened today and reaction to some of Trump's comments in our story here.

    While he will spend the next day and a half at the Irish Open, just like Trump you can follow all the coverage live over on the BBC Sport website.

    Today's posts were written by Ben Lonsdale, Katie Williams, Barry O'Connor, Jacob Phillips and Lili Busby, and edited by Ciarán McCauley and Charlotte Hadfield.

  2. More than 10,000 protesters at anti-Trump rallypublished at 15:25 BST

    Mark Simpson
    BBC News NI

    A large crowd of anti-Trump protesters in DublinImage source, EPA

    More than 10,000 people have marched through Dublin to show their opposition to US President Donald Trump.

    The protest began near O'Connell Street in the city centre and took nearly 31 minutes to pass any given point.

    The route went past the GPO building, a focal point for Dublin protests over many years.

    Although President Trump left the city just as the protest began, protesters said they wanted to send out a message of opposition to him and his policies.

    Read more here.

  3. Summary: Day one of Trump's visitpublished at 15:16 BST

    Donald Trump and Micheál MartinImage source, EPA
    Image caption,

    Donald Trump alongside Micheál Martin

    If you're just joining us, here's a recap of what has happened during Donald Trump's first day in Ireland:

  4. Trump landing delays golf tournamentpublished at 15:10 BST

    Enda McClafferty
    BBC News NI political editor

    Play was stopped in the Irish Open to allow President Trump's helicopter Marine One to land on his Doonbeg golf course.

    Irish golfer, and competition leader, Shane Lowry was among the group forced to wait on the third hole while the presidential helicopters landed nearby.

    Marine One and Two were joined by two US military chinooks.

    Their arrival interrupted play for less than ten minutes.

    Spectators watched as President Trump wearing his white baseball cap emerged from Marine One before making the short trip in his cavalcade to the nearby hotel.

  5. Trump protest in Dublin reaches final destinationpublished at 15:04 BST

    Jessica Lawrence
    BBC News NI

    Protest

    The protest in Dublin city centre has reached its final destination just in front of Dáil Éireann (Ireland's houses of parliament).

    There was a bit of commotion as a group of masked protestors burned a US flag and set off fireworks, but they were quickly escorted away by organisers.

    Mairéad followed the demonstration from the Garden of Remembrance down to near St Stephen's Green.

    Her sign talks about human rights for all - part of the reason why she's here today.

    "It doesn't matter nationality, culture, whatever country you come from, human rights apply to all. And it's very important that we keep it that way," she says.

    "We want to stop the human rights atrocities and abuses that are happening around the world, not just America, but in other countries as well."

    Down at the Dáil, speakers are giving impassioned speeches to those who have gathered here.

    Among them is People Before Profit TD (member of the Irish parliament) Richard Boyd-Barrett.

    He says that the US administration's policies and actions in Iran, Lebanon and Venezuela were the "definition of horror and barbarism".

    "Donald Trump represents everything that is dangerous and rotten in the world today," he continues.

    He also says the Irish government should be "ashamed" for rolling out the red carpet to "welcome this monster to our country".

  6. US citizens among those protesting in County Clarepublished at 15:01 BST

    Niall McCracken
    BBC News NI mid-Ulster reporter

    Lady holding a sign

    In Doonbeg, Jones, 39, is protesting. She's originally from New York, Donald Trump's hometown.

    "Especially as a US citizen I feel the need to show that we don't all agree with him and we want him out," she says.

    "I hope our voices are heard today and people say that we are serious and this visit should not be wasting Irish taxpayer money."

    Lady holding a sign.

    Jessie Phillips, 60, originally from Tennessee and now living in Killrush, County Clare, says she’s protesting is Doonbeg as a “concerned member of the public”.

    “I just want him [President Trump] to see my placard so he knows I don’t care for him and that my family doesn’t care for him and that he’s not welcome here or over there in my opinion.”

  7. Thousands at protest in Dublinpublished at 14:58 BST

    Jessica Lawrence
    BBC News NI

    PROTESTERS

    As the crowd make their way past Trinity College and Grafton Street, there are chants calling for Donald Trump to be “off our streets”.

    As for the signs and placards, very few can be pictured due to their expletive nature.

    However, many I can see in the vast crowd include references to the president's position on oil drilling and and the US administration's involvement in Gaza.

    As it makes its way up Dawson Street, many passers-by on this busy Saturday afternoon are stopping to take photos or take a seat - it might be a while before their bus gets here.

  8. 'I always liked him' - more reaction to Trump's united Ireland commentspublished at 14:54 BST

    We've heard reaction to President Trump's united Ireland comments from unionists in Northern Ireland, Sinn Féin, Downing Street and the Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.

    But more reaction is coming in as his words continue to reverberate.

    The former SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood, who is a nationalist who wants to see a united Ireland and has been a long-time critic of Donald Trump, says in a light-hearted X post that he "always liked him".

    Reform UK's Robert Jenrick says Trump is "completely wrong on this" and Northern Ireland will always be "a proud part" of the UK.

    Northern Ireland's Health Minister, Robbie Butler, who is from the Ulster Unionist Party, says "Presidents are entitled to their views. But they don't get a vote in Northern Ireland."

    In Ireland, the leader of People Before Profit (PBP) Richard Boyd Barrett, who is out protesting against Trump today, says that people in Ireland will be "more concerned" about rising energy bills.

    He tells the BBC: "It's all very fine talking about a united Ireland of the top off his head. I'm not sure if it means a whole lot."

  9. 'He has dismantled the democratic process' - Trump protesters in Doonbegpublished at 14:49 BST

    Niall McCracken
    BBC News NI mid-Ulster reporter

    While there's a huge protest under way in Dublin, protesters have also gathered in Doonbeg where President Trump is now going.

    Among those at today’s protest is Mary Lawlor, former UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders, who held the role from 2020 to 2026.

    Speaking to BBC News NI, she said: “I’m here because I’ve seen first hand how this self serving ignorant bully has caused such havoc, chaos, cruelty and lots of lives around the world.

    “He has undermined the rule of law and he has dismantled the democratic process."

    She added protests may not "necessarily achieve anything" but that it was important that "people don't lie down" so that "it's not just seen as a triumphant visit".

    Caolann O’Dwyer,

    Also among the protesters is Caolann O’Dwyer, 30, from Lahinch.

    He said: “I hope our activity here changes the minds of some people. That’s what I would like to see out of today. I think our overzealous approach to this welcome (of Trump) is fundamentally crazy."

    Caolann O’Dwyer
  10. Police presence at Trump's golf resort ahead of Irish Open attendancepublished at 14:36 BST

    Garda outside the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, Co ClareImage source, PA Media

    Police have been seen at Trump's golf resort in Doonbeg, County Clare, where the Irish Open golf tournament is being held.

    He's travelling there now today to watch the competition, which is taking place until Sunday.

    Trump is a keen golfer and Tánaiste (Irish Deputy Prime Minister) Simon Harris told reporters earlier that the president was "very much looking forward" to that portion of the trip.

    The Irish police force has described preparations around Trump's visit to Ireland as "one of the biggest security and policing operations" they have ever undertaken.

    Only those working at or attending the Irish Open will be allowed to access the Trump International Golf Links and Hotel.

    Garda outside the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, Co ClareImage source, PA Media
  11. 'Irish government's position is clear' - Irish foreign ministerpublished at 14:30 BST

    A blonde woman walksImage source, PA Media

    Ireland's Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee says Trump's comments on a united Ireland are "his own opinion".

    Speaking to the BBC, McEntee adds that his opinion "doesn't change the the fact that the Irish government's position is clear".

    "The UK government position is clear and the Good Friday Friday Agreement is clear.

    "Something to this magnitude can only happen where there's consent from the Irish people on the island.

    "It's something that that we have to work on and we have to work towards. And really that's what's happening at the moment as well," she says.

    McEntee is from Fine Gael, the second largest party in the coalition government.

    The party is due in November to present its blueprint on what a united Ireland may look like.

  12. Trump disembarks plane at Shannon Airport for Irish Openpublished at 14:25 BST

    Trump disembarks Air Force OneImage source, Reuters

    We're now seeing Donald Trump disembarking his plane at Shannon Airport.

    After meeting some dignitaries on the tarmac, he got onto the presidential helicopter Marine One.

    This next part of the visit is more personal for the keen golfer, who'll be heading to his resort in Doonbeg where the Irish Open is being held.

    If follows engagements with Irish officials this morning.

  13. Dogs among the crowd at large anti-Trump demonstrationpublished at 14:24 BST

    Jessica Lawrence
    BBC News NI

    A lady holding up a dog

    Despite Trump's departure from Dublin, the city centre is still feeling his presence.

    Thousands of made their way from the Garden of Remembrance and O'Connell Street as they march to the Houses of Oireachtas (Irish parliament).

    There are loud drums and chants being sung as the crowd blocks off traffic during the busy afternoon.

    Kelly has come with some friends, and dog Evie, to protest Trump’s Irish visit.

    “Donald Trump is the disgrace of a human being and he shouldn't be welcomed here by the government,” she says.

    Kelly says there are people from all walks of life attending today’s demonstration, which shows just how opposed many people are to the president’s visit.

    Like many others here today, Kelly says the president is not welcome.

    “And the sad thing is, we know if Donald Trump's gone, there's going to be someone else who will continue that legacy as well.

    So, in lieu of expletives, I'll say that.“

  14. Analysis

    Trump's words about a united Ireland could be more than a random commentpublished at 14:19 BST

    Tom Bateman
    US State Department correspondent

    I would tend to see many things President Trump says at the moment through the prism of the midterm elections for Congress, less than two months away.

    He’s just spent two days making the most extraordinary set of appeals to voters, including offering $5,000 to every adult American if his Republican Party keeps control of Congress in a highly contested set of races.

    So far, polling suggests the Republicans are on track to lose one or even both houses.

    The fact he doubled down on his call for a united Ireland in front of the press and mentioned he had talked about it with the taoiseach suggests to me it could have been a little more than just a random, off-the-cuff remark (although, of course, you can never be entirely sure with Donald Trump).

    There are estimated to be some 31 million Americans of Irish descent, with concentrations included in some states like Maine and Pennsylvania which have tight, competitive races in the midterms.

    His comments are already making the news in the US and many voters with Irish roots will like what he said.

  15. Sinn Féin leader: 'Conversation on Irish unity has shifted'published at 14:10 BST

    Mary Lou

    Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald says the “conversation on Irish unity has shifted” following President Trump’s comments on reunification.

    Sinn Féin are the largest opposition party in the Irish parliament and the largest party in government in Northern Ireland.

    One of the parties key goals is a united Ireland.

    McDonald says the onus is now on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to begin planning for constitutional change.

    “I acknowledge President Trump’s comments on the reunification of Ireland,” she says.

    “We have secured peace, and as we approach the 30th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement our national journey is now reunification, which is organised, planned and a peaceful transition.”

    McDonald also called on Trump to “promote a global agenda for peace” in relation to Palestine and to "stop arming Israel".

  16. Air Force One lands at Shannon Airportpublished at 14:07 BST

    Air Force One lands at Shannon AirportImage source, Reuters

    Air Force One, carrying President Donald Trump, has just landed at Shannon Airport in County Clare.

    A short while ago, it flew over his golf course in Doonbeg.

    The president will be heading there shortly to watch the Irish Open tournament.

  17. Scramble for photos as Air Force One flies over Trump golf coursepublished at 14:01 BST

    Enda McClafferty
    BBC News NI political editor

    Spectators watch as Air Force One, carrying US President Donald Trump, flies over the Irish OpenImage source, PA Media

    Air Force One has completed a fly by over the Trump course in Doonbeg, where the Irish Open is taking place.

    Spectators scrambled for photos as the aircraft flew low over the course as it headed for Shannon Airport.

    Trump will be heading for Doonbeg after he lands.

  18. Unionist parties in Northern Ireland to Trump's united Ireland commentspublished at 13:54 BST

    A composite image of Jon Burrows and Jim AllisterImage source, PA Media
    Image caption,

    UUP leader Jon Burrows and TUV leader Jim Allister

    While we have already heard from the largest unionist party in Northern Ireland on Trump's united Ireland comments, the second and third largest unionist parties have also had their say.

    Leader of the Ulster Unionists (UUP), Jon Burrows, said on X that Trump is "entitled to express his view on the constitutional future of another country".

    "But the only people whose decision counts are the people of Northern Ireland."

    The Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader Jim Allister said: “Northern Ireland is not a pawn in Trump’s fall out with the UK.

    "Our constitutional future does not depend on him or any other foreign dignitary.”

  19. Sinn Féin’s Ó Laoghaire on unity and protesting against Trumppublished at 13:43 BST

    Jessica Lawrence
    BBC News NI

    Sinn Féin’s Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

    Among the speakers at today’s protest is Sinn Féin’s Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire.

    Speaking before the rally, he says it is a “significant crowd” which “demonstrates the fact that the Irish people clearly reject the policies and the agenda of this US administration" in Gaza and the Middle East.

    Despite the US president being nowhere near the scenes of today’s protests, Ó Laoghaire says it is an opportunity to show the world’s media Ireland’s disdain for US foreign policy.

    “Whatever opportunities we have, we take them, and also the Irish government - they have an obligation to articulate Irish foreign policy to President Trump."

    There is, however, something Sinn Féin and Trump appear to agree on - the prospect of a united Ireland.

    One of the key policies of Sinn Féin, the main party of opposition in the Republic of Ireland and the largest party in Northern Ireland's devolved government, is the creation of a united Ireland.

    Ó Laoghaire says Trump’s comments about that happening “eventually” are part of a growing view that there is “momentum” towards unity.

    “During the course of my work, I meet ambassadors all over the world. It’s one of the first questions they ask me: ‘What are the prospects of Irish unity?’

    “The only person who doesn’t seem to take that on board is Micheál Martin, who has set his face against it and, in my view, is being reckless and careless in failing to plan and prepare for constitutional change in a sensible way.”

  20. Packed streets as protest continuespublished at 13:38 BST

    Jessica Lawrence
    BBC News NI

    A rally against President Trump in Dublin City Centre

    Traffic is at a standstill now on Parnell Square East in Dublin city centre as the protest against President Trump's visit continues.