Gardaí are investigating after Doonbeg, the Co. Clare golf resort owned by US President Donald Trump, was damaged by vandals in an apparent act of protest.
The incident has been described as an act of “criminal damage” with various outlets reporting that the damage was confined to the course, and included graffiti linked to the Israel-Gaza war, with Palestinian flags planted on the course.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses, and in particular those who were in the area from late on Wednesday afternoon until midnight.
Palestine Action, the pro-Palestinian protest network, posted images of the alleged incident on X, writing: “BREAKING: An anonymous group targeted Trump’s Doonbeg golf course in Ireland. They dug up the greens and left Palestine flags across the course.
“As we said: Whilst Trump attempts to treat Gaza as his property, he should know his own property is within reach.”
In a statement, the Garda Press Office said: “Gardaí are investigating an incident of criminal damage that occurred at a commercial premises in West Clare on Wednesday, 12th of March 2025.
“Investigating Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward. In particular, they are appealing to anyone who was in the West Clare area between approximately 5pm and midnight, and that may have video footage including dash-cam, to make this available to them.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Kilrush Garda station on 065 908 0550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”
The incident comes just 24 hours after Mr Trump’s meeting with Micheál Martin in the Oval Office. During the meeting to mark St Patrick’s Day, Trump brought up his Doonbeg resort – saying that he hopes to get to Doonbeg soon and that he will meet the Taoiseach there.
A spokesperson for Trump Doonbeg hit out at the “childish” act, but said that staff were working to fix the damage.
“This was a childish, criminal act but the incredible team at Trump Doonbeg will ensure it does not impact business,” they said. “We have the greatest course anywhere in the world and we are so proud of the tremendous success and we look forward to a great season ahead.”