US leader had a jam-packed schedule despite this trip not being an official state visit
US president Donald Trump has departed Shannon Airport aboard Air Force One to bring an end to his visit to Ireland.
Here are six moments that stood out across Trump’s two-day trip.
1. US leader calls Irish ‘vicious bastards’ – lovingly, of course
Coming in on the top spot, purely for the bizarre factor has to be securing our place in history (according to US president Donald Trump at least) as “vicious bastards”.
Spectators looked on in disbelief, unsure of what they were hearing, as Mr Trump referred to the people of Ireland as “vicious bastards” – in that backhanded, “old-buddy-old-pal” way, that only he could get away with.
He had high praise for the “unbelievable” people in Ireland and our trademark hospitality. However, he said that when it came to business, he claimed the Irish to be among “the most vicious bastards I’ve ever done business [with]”.
Mr Trump then proceeded to say that as a people, “there’s nobody nicer”.
2. Surprising desire for a united Ireland
Of all the potential headlines and hashtags we expected to come from Mr Trump’s visit, his comments on the unification of Ireland took many by surprise.
During his meeting with Taoiseach Michéal Martin at Farmleigh House in Dublin on Saturday morning, Mr Trump claimed that a united Ireland was inevitable and something he “would love to see”.
“I’d love to see it unified. I think it would be a great feather in everybody’s cap if that happened. It’s going to happen eventually,” he said.
He continued to reiterate these views during his speech at the US ambassador’s residence in the Phoenix Park and again, when the topic arose in Doonbeg, Co Clare.
Mr Trump told reporters: “I have always loved the people of Ireland and it just seems to me that you have Northern Ireland and you have Ireland and it would seem to me that one of the naturals of all time is put them together.
“Many people agree. I made what I considered to be a fairly routine comment, I have had so much support on that.”
3. A hero’s welcome
Scenes reminiscent of the victorious Mayo GAA football team entering Copper Face Jacks on All-Ireland night were broadcast across social media, as Mr Trump received a hero’s welcome on entering the members’ bar of his golf resort on Saturday night.
A rendition of Fields of Athenry was belted out by punters as he filed through the bar, illuminated in the glow of flashing phones.
The octogenarian was in his element.
4. Another Trump steals the spotlight
Mr Trump was not the only member of his large family who visited Ireland this weekend.
Eric Trump, who is involved in the running of Trump International Golf Link and Hotel, Doonbeg, brought his wife and children to the resort for the Irish Open.
Donald Trump took a brief time-out from spearheading his branch of the united Ireland campaign to celebrate his grandson’s ninth birthday.
The birthday boy was Luke Trump, son of Eric and Lara Trump, who posted a family picture of their celebrations on social media.
5. They’re just like us, really
What better way to engage with Irish culture, than chomping on a bag of Keogh’s crisps while watching play on the eighteenth.
Donald Trump Junior and his wife Bettina Anderson shared a kiss between mouthfuls of what appear to be Keogh’s Irish Atlantic sea salt flavour – great choice
President Donald Trump and his son Eric are taking in the action at the final hole, perhaps plotting creamy pints with Irish Open Champion, Shane Lowry.
6. Dodging questions? Par for the course
Anti-Trump protests took place across the country over the weekend, including in Dublin and Doonbeg.
When asked by a reporter in Doonbeg if he was aware of the dissatisfaction demonstrated by many towards his visit, he deflected by “complimenting” the reporter on her resemblance to the late Irish singer, Sinéad O’Connor.
He said: “You know, you remind me of somebody. A very cute Irish singer who passed away recently. You know who that is? Sinéad! You look like Sinéad O’Connor. That’s a compliment – she sang beautifully.”
If we know anything about Mr Trump, it’s to expect the unexpected. Always.