Donald Trump was given a warm welcome in an Irish village yesterday as locals waved US flags and wore Make America Great Again caps.
Shortly after the US President and his wife Melania touched down at the Doonbeg golf resort, the village erupted into a carnival celebration with ceili music and Irish dancers taking over the main street.
Mr Trump is staying a short distance away in his five-star hotel where he landed in Marine One shortly before 6.30pm.
Residents came out in their droves to mark the visit.
A number of young men could be seen with the American flag draped over their shoulders while American flags and tricolours.
Paul Markham, from nearby Kilmurry McMahon, is a huge Trump supporter. He enlisted the help of a few neighbours to make an American-inspired top hat, which he hopes will catch the attention of Mr Trump if he visits the village.
He said: “I think it’s a great cead mile failte for him from Ireland and this historic village.
“The atmosphere is building up and we are all here to welcome the Trump family – it’s a great occasion.
“He’s providing employment for West Clare and tourism. We are hoping Donald will come down from his hotel and into the village.
“People are waiting anxiously waiting to greet him. He’ll get a great welcome.”
However, the controversial figure also attracted protesters.
Cork man John Lennon accused Mr Trump of having “no respect for women”.
He added: “I am ashamed that the Taoiseach was at Shannon airport meeting him, a man who has no respect for the truth. Trump is a scumbag.”
US veterans Ken Mayers 82, Edward Horgan and Tarak Kauff, 77, were also there to protest.
Meanwhile, Doonbeg publican Tommy Tubridy said security was tight last night and there was lots of excitement as locals waited to greet the US President’s sons.
He added: “The village is looking so well with big crowds here.
“The bar is packed and the other bars are packed as well. Eric and Don Jnr are due in here shortly. There’s no word of the man himself coming to Doonbeg.
“He has a busy schedule, but we’re delighted that his two sons are coming down to say hello.”
