Phoenix Park shut, Dublin Zoo closed: what the Trump visit means for your Saturday

Travellers face major disruption as Trump arrives in Ireland

The US president is due to begin his trip in the capital, where a large-scale security operation will be in place around his movements. 

After landing at Dublin Airport early on Saturday, Trump is expected to spend much of his time in Dublin around Phoenix Park.

His visit is likely to cause headaches for anyone travelling through Dublin, with restrictions affecting roads, the city centre and areas around Dublin Airport. 

His movements will also have an impact further west, stretching as far as Doonbeg in Co Clare, where he is expected to visit his golf resort.

Here is a breakdown of the closures and travel restrictions, including where they will be in place and when they are expected to end.

Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport is expected to operate normally while Donald Trump arrives on Air Force One tomorrow morning. However, his arrival and departure will mean temporary traffic restrictions on roads around the airport.

Rolling closures are scheduled between 7.30am and 9.30am, with another period of disruption expected from 11.30am until 1.30pm.

The exact impact will depend on Trump’s movements, so some drivers could find their normal route blocked and be redirected elsewhere.

Dublin Airport is advising people with flights on Saturday morning or early afternoon to leave earlier than usual and check traffic conditions before setting off.

Travellers should also keep an eye on navigation apps and the latest updates from TII and GardaTraffic, as road restrictions can change throughout the day.

Phoenix Park

Phoenix Park will effectively be off limits to the public while Donald Trump carries out his Dublin schedule, with every entrance to the park closed as part of the security operation.

Dublin Zoo and the Magazine Fort will also be unavailable to visitors, while access will be restricted to essential workers who need to carry out their duties inside the park.

Trump is due to arrive in the area by Marine One after landing at Dublin Airport. His itinerary includes meetings with President Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin and Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Farmleigh House.

He is also expected to give a speech at the Deerfield Residence of US Ambassador Edward Walsh, which is located within the Phoenix Park grounds.

The restrictions began at 11pm last night, when the park gates were shut. They are scheduled to remain closed until 6pm tomorrow, although visitors could be allowed back in earlier if Trump’s programme finishes ahead of schedule.

The scale of the Trump visit security operation

Dublin has been preparing for the US president’s arrival well before the first official events begin, with signs of the security operation becoming increasingly difficult to miss.

Some of the work has been taking place behind the scenes for weeks, particularly around Farmleigh House and Áras an Uachtaráin. In recent days, however, more of that preparation has become visible across Phoenix Park.

The Garda Water Unit has been inspecting ponds near both presidential locations, while security seals have been added to the bicycle lane bollards throughout the park. OPW workers have also been busy repainting railings as part of the preparations.

Then it is on to Doonbeg

Trump’s visit will not end in Dublin. Once his engagements in the capital are finished, he is expected to travel to Co Clare for the Irish Open, which is being held at his Trump International Golf Links and Hotel in Doonbeg.

The village has been gearing up for the arrival for some time, with preparations extending beyond the golf course itself.

Local authorities have also faced the challenge of finding accommodation for gardaí who will be working in the area throughout the weekend.