Donald Trump last visited Ireland in 2014 and is pictured upon arrival at Shannon Airport
By Irish Echo Staff
President Donald Trump could end up visiting Ireland twice in just a few days next month.
Should he choose Ireland over Scotland, Trump could make an Irish landfall before making his state visit to Britain and then attending D-Day 75th anniversary ceremonies in France.
Then he could well stop in Ireland on his way back to the U.S.
Nothing has been confirmed but this would mean Trump being in Ireland on June 2, in Britain June 3-5, France on June 6 and Ireland again on the 7th.
Then again, he might make a visit to Scotland.
The president could choose between his resort in Ireland or one of his Scottish hotels if he tacks on a round of golf during his Europe.
The Irish Independent reported that “uncertainty remains” over whether Mr. Trump will visit Ireland, because the White House is also considering Scotland for a presidential visit.
Stated the report: “There has been intense speculation that Mr. Trump will make a stop at his hotel and golf course at Doonbeg, County Clare when he is in Europe for D-Day commemorations in France and a State visit to Britain.
Mr. Trump revealed his intention to come to Ireland during Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's visit to Washington for St. Patrick's Day festivities stating: "I'll be coming at some point during the year. I missed it last time, but I would have loved to have been there. It's a special place."
Mr. Trump also said he has a "warm spot" for Doonbeg, which he described as "just a great place.”
Advance teams of White House officials and Secret Service agents have been assessing logistics and security arrangements in Clare.
“However, they are also set to visit Scotland to scope out a possible visit there,” the Independent report added.
At one point last November it looked like the president might visit Ireland but that did not ultimately happen. Mr. Trump was in Ireland in 2014 when he visited Doonbeg.
As the final plans for the president’s transatlantic foray fall into place Irish authorities are making preparations just in case.
Said a statement from the Irish embassy in Washington: “We are aware of the visit by U.S. officials to Ireland. This type of contingency pre-advance visit is routine in nature and there remains no confirmation of a high-level U.S. visit at this time.
“The Embassy is in regular contact with the U.S. Administration, as is the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with the U.S. Embassy in Dublin.”
