16:27
Air Force One landed in Dublin after 8am this morning, with a large motorcade nearby to accompany US President Donald Trump on his journey to the Phoenix Park. (Images courtesy: Getty, PA and Maxwells)
Donald Trump’s visit is not an official visit but a personal one with a heavy focus on golf.
The security operation for his trip is one of the biggest in the history of the State – with major disruption and restrictions in Clare as well as Dublin. Pictured are members of the Garda Mounted Support Unit in the vicinity of Shannon Airport this afternoon.
Much Irish and international focus was on the courtesy call to President Catherine Connolly who has been an arch critic of Mr Trump’s politics for several years.
After greeting him with a handshake, President Connolly and Mr Trump had private talks – a meeting described later by Mr Trump’s Chief of Protocol as “very constructive”.
Donald Trump’s note in the Áras an Uachtaráin visitors’ book said it was “A great honor to be here. Thank you!”.
President Connolly presented him with gifts themed on peace – and in a later statement said she had conveyed the strong views of the Irish people that the normalisation of war and genocide can never be accepted.
Next was a courtesy call to the Taoiseach at Farmleigh House.
There the US leader was asked about his views on a united Ireland, where he said: “I’d love to see it happen” and “it’s going to happen eventually. It may as well happen now”.
His lengthy comments at the US Ambassador’s residence were very much intended for an American audience and for the most part was seen as a campaign speech.
Donald Trump Jr and his wife Bettina are among the Trump family visiting Ireland – Tánaiste Simon Harris was among the welcome party at Dublin Airport earlier in the day.
The visit comes amid a backdrop of protests, with people showing their opposition on the streets of Doonbeg, Dublin and Shannon.
Thousands marched in Dublin with more than 30 groups and political parties in vocal opposition to the visit.
The anti-Trump protest in Dublin took place after the US president had moved on to Doonbeg.
The afternoon saw the US leader move West, with Air Force One in a flyover near his Doonbeg golf links.
On the course, Rory McIlroy was among the top golfers in action at the Irish Open.
Shane Lowry, who has been leading the field, is seen with his scorecard – and Marine One carrying Donald Trump in the background.
Security will remain tight at Doonbeg ahead of Donald Trump’s departure tomorrow night.
With golf his main focus for the rest of the visit, he was seen taking in the action with his son Eric shortly after arriving at his Doonbeg links.
16:40
Among the big talking points of his first day were his comments about a united Ireland. Watch the video below.