Donald Trump’s arrival in Doonbeg has created a “great buzz”, a local publican has said.
The former US President flew into Shannon following a visit to his mother’s native Scotland.
It is his first trip to Ireland since 2019 and the small town has been packed out with Gardaí and US security personnel - with even the sand dunes searched to ensure his safety.
In preparation for his visit, the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg has also been thoroughly cleaned and festooned with American flags.
There have even been sightings of a few Make America Great Again hats in the town and hotel manager Joe Russell said staff have been looking forward to their boss’s arrival.
“Certainly around the resort here this morning, there’s a tremendous amount of excitement,” he told Newstalk reporter Barry Whyte for The Hard Shoulder.
“Everybody is putting the final touches to what it is that they have to do for the visit.
“Golf course is looking spectacular and there’s one or two scents of freshly applied paint going onto the doors and walls as we get the place finally ready for his arrival.”
A golfer on the Doonbeg Golf Links course and hotel in County Clare, 12-05-2014. Image: Niall Carson/PA Archive/PA ImagesBusiness will dominate Mr Trump’s agenda but - weather permitting - he will also find time for some golf as well.
“Tomorrow morning we’ll talk a little bit of business,” Mr Russell said.
“He has some guests over, he may play golf tomorrow and then he’ll be on his way… He enjoys meeting people on the golf course, meeting people in our Trump Bar and Restaurant that we’re sitting in here now at the moment.
“And over breakfast, he’ll walk up and welcome people to his resort.”
Mr Trump has owned the hotel and golf course since 2014 and locals are used to seeing the family out and about in the town.
“There’s a great buzz around this week,” publican Tommy Tubridy said.
“There’s so many people, so many camera crews and reporters and photographers.
“It’s just fantastic… for this time of the year.”
Mr Trump has been charged with 34 felonies pertaining to the 2016 US Presidential Election.
He denies all charges and has announced his intention to stand against Joe Biden in 2024.
Main image: Donald Trump. Picture by: PA.
