Son of US President Donald Trump says: 'Doonbeg is one of his favourite places on earth'

Eric Trump, son of US President Donald Trump, has confirmed that his father is hoping to attend the 2026 Irish Open in Doonbeg if his schedule allows.

In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Independent, the businessman also called on the Government to commit to investing in the west of Ireland ahead of the huge golfing event, which will be held at the family's hotel; Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, next September. 

Mr Trump hopes to see millions in investment to match what is being put into the 2027 Ryder Cup, also supported financially by the Government. 

The son of US President Donald Trump noted that the west of Ireland deserves "phenomenal" infrastructure where "tremendous" amounts of money should be put into the roads. 

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Speaking to the Sunday Independent, he said, "At the end of the day, it will enhance the economy and we’re the largest employer in that part of the country and the west deserves the Irish Open." He also said the State should "absolutely" be investing in infrastructure.

Looking ahead to the 2026 Irish Open, Mr Trump said his father would love to attend the event, if his schedule allows. 

“I think he’ll make that game-time decision based on what’s going on in the world and see if he can sneak away for a couple of hours," said the father-of-two. 

However, Mr Trump, who will host the event at their family's hotel, clarified he "wouldn’t miss it for the world" after working on the plan for a long period of time. He stated that the Irish Open, to be held in Doonbeg, will be "the greatest golf tournament that the country has ever seen."

The American businessman revealed exclusively to the Sunday Independent that there will be “some pretty big announcements” in the coming months, going on to reveal that a new ballroom has been established in the family' hotel, to be unveiled in 2027. 

Commenting on some struggles he faced while organising the three-day tournament, Mr Trump said the Irish planning system can be "incredibly lethargic." 

He said, “I think you have a lot of problems in Europe, I don’t need to tell you. I faced them in Ireland where I wanted a little coastal protection, and Ireland voted 100pc in favour of it and then it has to go to Brussels, in which case you’re told ‘no’ to absolutely everything. You do have a system that can be incredibly lethargic.”

The 2026 Irish Open will be held at the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel from September 10-13 next year.