240. Trump in Doonbeg: What Do the Locals Really Think?

Fender Jackson travelled to Doonbeg on Saturday, 12 September 2026, as President Trump arrived in Ireland for the Irish Open.

Rather than trying to answer the question from a studio, The Ireland Podcast took to the streets to speak to the people who were there: locals, protesters, visitors, businesspeople and others drawn to the village by an extraordinary weekend.

The responses range from fierce opposition to strong support - while others separate their views of Trump the politician from the impact his golf resort has had on employment, tourism and life in Doonbeg.

This episode is also a snapshot of the village itself: the people, the golf, the protests and the atmosphere surrounding a presidential visit to West Clare.

The Ireland Podcast has no political or religious agenda. The aim is to record the island and give different voices room to be heard.

Special thanks to everyone who contributed.

Recorded: Doonbeg, County Clare

12 September 2026

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Relevant Links

https://www.mohergolf.com/

https://doonbeg.info/