skip to main content

Doonbeg locals react to Donald Trump's US Election win

It's quiet in the west Clare village of Doonbeg.

There are a number of US stars and stripes flags flying over Tommy Tubridy’s pub - a reminder of the connection this small village has to the Trump family, and once again its connection to the 47th President of the United States.

The Trump golf resort is pitched on the edge of Doughmore beach, a stunning beach walked frequently and also popular for horse riding alongside the Atlantic surf.

It is an award-winning resort, recently winning a Fáilte Ireland award for excellence in the hospitality 'big employer’ category.

The resort is currently closed mid-week as it does every winter, but open for guests and golf at the weekend.

But in the high season it employs over 200 people across west Clare.

Visitors to the resort also support local pubs and restaurants and local limousine services, as they ferry wealthy US golfers from Shannon Airport to Doonbeg and elsewhere to golf, eat, drink and travel along the Wild Atlantic Way.

There are a number of US stars and stripes flags flying over Tommy Tubridy's pub in Doonbeg

This has a major impact on employment in the region, and its spread to other businesses is much appreciated for a region that is heavily dependent on tourism income.

The village was thrust into the international spotlight back in 2016, when Donald Trump first became US President.

Having a business here automatically meant there was every prospect of a state visit by the US president.

And so it transpired, when he visited Ireland for a short stay in his own hotel on his return to the US from a state visit to the United Kingdom.

He also returned to Clare last year and while it was billed as a visit as a "private citizen" it was everything but, with a major security detail attached.

So once again Doonbeg is in the spotlight as he secured a second term as President.

We got the views of people coming and going at the local McInerney’s grocery and food store.

Owner Rita McInerney is a local councillor for west Clare, a community activist and is also planning to stand in the General Election for Fianna Fáil.

"I was surprised by the strength of his vote," said Ms McInerney.

Shop owner and local councillor Rita McInerney said Donald Trump's re-election could mean another US presidential visit for Doonbeg

"He and his family have a long association with the area and that brings a lot of business here.

"It is seasonal but very significant during the high season. President Trump’s son Eric is a frequent visitor.

"And it could mean another US presidential visit here which will bring the international spotlight once again to Doonbeg."

Shop assistant Susan O’Shea also believes his election will once again be good for the area and brings the prospect for another US Presidential visit.

"I think it will bring a lot of unrest and fear globally"

"He has brought a lot of employment to the area and that’s very good for the community and means young people with families can get employment and stay living here, and that helps other sectors get employment like childcare and the retail businesses."

Margaret Waterfield fears that Donald Trump's election as US President will bring 'unrest and fear globally'

Margaret Waterfield and her husband Keith moved to west Clare from the UK several years ago and say it’s the best move they ever made.

However, both have concerns about Mr Trump’s election as US President.

"I think it will bring a lot of unrest and fear globally," said Ms Waterfield.

"I do acknowledge that he has been very good for employment in this area and that has to be respected, and I do hope he continues his business at the international golf resort, but I do have a number of concerns for the years ahead."

Her husband is equally concerned.

"I’m not a great Trump supporter," he said. "I cannot understand the huge vote he got.

"But once people get into the ballot box you don’t know how they’ll vote.

"It was the same with Brexit in the UK. While many spoke against it, once they cast their vote they supported it."


Read more: Latest US Presidential Election stories


He has brought good employment here, but I believe he is an egotist and that everything he does and says is about him.

"But yes, I do believe another presidential visit to Doonbeg could be on the cards in the next four years."

Martin Kelly is a local contractor living in Doonbeg and he’s a big Trump supporter.

"I think he’s great for the American people and that he will make America great again, and that he has brought a lot of employment to this region," he said.

"I have been a supporter of his during his last term and again this time."

Deirdre Hetherington and her partner Alan Souter also live in Doonbeg having moved here from Co Antrim almost 20 years ago.

They are actively involved in the local Tidy Towns committee and were very proud of their work in Doonbeg being rewarded as the third best village in Co Clare.

Deirdre Hetherington and her partner Alan Souter moved to Doonbeg almost 20 years ago

Mr Souter is not a Trump supporter.

"I think it’s bad news… I do not agree with his policies and I think his election will be very dangerous for the world".

Local publican Tommy Tubridy has seen the impact of the Trump factor in Doonbeg.

"I wasn’t at all surprised by his election and strong support," he said.

Publican Tommy Tubridy says that Donald Trump's impact on unemployment in Doonbeg 'cannot be ignored'

"I have just returned from a visit to North Carolina and Nashville and many I spoke to they were supporting Trump.

"One cab driver had Trump’s picture as his signature picture on his phone. I think a lot of people were swayed by the economy and immigration issues, and threats to employment and livelihoods.

"They believe they suffered under Biden, and that things will improve under Trump.

"And his impact on employment here cannot be ignored."