As the west Clare village of Doonbeg prepares for Donald Trump's arrival this weekend, along with the 2026 Irish Open, a strong sense of anticipation and community spirit fills the air. While the former US President's visits often bring mixed national opinions, Doonbeg locals are focused on the economic benefits his presence, and his golf resort, provide.

We've heard calls for Ireland not to "roll out the red carpet," but for Doonbeg residents, this isn't just about politics. It's about their livelihoods, their village, and an event they believe could secure their economic future for decades. "He's keeping our village alive," says Caroline Kennedy of The Igoe Inn, a sentiment many share.

The announcement a year ago that Trump International Golf Links and Hotel would host the 2026 Irish Open spurred a massive community effort. The Doonbeg Tidy Towns committee, a group of 16 volunteers, quickly got to work. Jennie Drysdale, the chairperson, explained how the deadline for the world's top golfers and the course owner really sharpened their focus.

The results of this concerted effort are clear. Lakeview, the village park, has been completely revitalized with new footpaths and picnic benches. Old flowerpots now hold colorful, pollinator-friendly plants. The village looks better than ever, thanks to the residents' sheer determination.

One striking addition is a vibrant mural by German artist Marcus Vallboehmer. Painted on the gable end of the late John O'Gorman's home (a founding member of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association), this artwork tells Doonbeg's story through a captivating jigsaw of images. It reflects the village's history and its forward-looking spirit.

The village's main street, known as "The Long Village" because of its length, also received a significant facelift. Irish paint manufacturer Fleetwood donated all the needed paint, allowing homes to get a fresh coat. Clare County Council also provided grants for painters, and homeowners made voluntary contributions ranging from €50 to €500. This was truly a team effort. "We should rename the town 'Doongreat' – because we're doin' great," Drysdale quipped, and it's hard to disagree.

Kennedy from The Igoe Inn quickly points out the substantial economic spin-off from Trump's business for Doonbeg's four pubs, two restaurants, coffee dock, shops, and accommodation providers. It extends far beyond the village, benefiting the wider west Clare tourism industry. She even praises the hotel for its unique approach, providing four courtesy buses to shuttle their high-roller guests into the village to support local businesses. "There are not too many hotels in Ireland that bring their guests out of their establishment to support the local community," she noted. It's an unusual but welcome gesture that shows a genuine commitment to the local area.

When Trump and his sons, Eric and Donald Jnr, visited in 2019, some commented on locals "selling their soul to sell a pint." Kennedy firmly refutes this. "There are not many people who would refuse a business that is employing 300 people," she stated. "If a factory with 300 employees closed in the morning, it would make headlines. He's our factory. It's the biggest employment in west Clare – why would you bite the hand that feeds you?" It's a pragmatic and entirely understandable perspective. She adds that locals benefit from American visitors who are "willing to spend money," and they are happy to welcome it. Every chance he gets, Trump gives Doonbeg a plug, which certainly doesn't hurt.

To coincide with the Irish Open, Doonbeg Tidy Towns has organized the inaugural Doonbeg Fáilte Fest. Outside the community hall car park, a big screen will show the golf live, while inside, craft stalls will offer local produce for sale. "As a village we wanted to capture the energy of what was happening at the golf course and we came up with a slogan, 'Come for the golf, stay for Doonbeg'," Drysdale explained, proudly sporting a T-shirt with the slogan.

Drysdale, a retiree, expects any anti-Trump protests to be peaceful. "Everyone has a right to their opinion. They have their purpose; we have our purpose. And we'll get along," she said, reflecting a balanced and tolerant view. She believes this is Doonbeg's moment, and that what happens this week will influence the village's future for the next 30 years.

Doonbeg village itself has a population of around 270, with about 700 in the wider parish. In summer, that number swells to over 1,000 as holiday homes fill up, according to Tommy Comerford, a founding member of the Doonbeg Development Association. The fishing industry, once central, has dwindled, and while agriculture remains important, tourism is now the main employer.

Comerford shared how the community, through the development association, showed incredible vision back in 1995. They secured €2.4 million in European grant aid through Shannon Development. This allowed them to purchase land from four farmers at Doughmore Sandhills, a nearly 400-acre coastal stretch of sand dunes about 3km outside the village. Their goal was clear: build a golf course to attract wealthy American tourists.

It wasn't an easy road. "There were huge obstacles. Rights of way, environmentalists, squatters. Numerous objections. It was stressful," Comerford recalled. The preliminary design was by the late Irish golfer Christy O'Connor junior, and later, US investors Landmark National brought in Australian golfer Greg Norman to develop the course. "He was a superstar – the man who would sell the course in America," Comerford noted. The course opened in the early 2000s and was successful until both severe weather and financial storms hit in 2014.

That's when the Trump family stepped in, purchasing the resort and injecting much-needed cash to rejuvenate it. "They honored all previous agreements. They've been more than generous to the local community. You can understand why we wouldn't in any way say anything hurtful to that company," Comerford added.

The visible presence of Gardaí and the Secret Service already around the village and at the Irish Open site highlights the significance of this Doonbeg Trump visit. For the residents of Doonbeg, this is more than just a high-profile visitor; it's a key moment for their community, a culmination of years of hard work, and a chance to shine on an international stage. The 2026 Irish Open, a premier event in European golf (see more about the tournament here: https://www.golfireland.ie/irish-open), is set to bring unprecedented attention and economic activity to this corner of Clare, and Doonbeg is ready to embrace it with open arms and a strong community spirit.