Unidentified Drone Spotted Off Wicklow Coast As Trump Visit Looms

At approximately 5pm, a commercial pilot approaching Dublin Airport reported sighting the large drone over the Irish Sea. Other aircraft in the vicinity were immediately alerted to the potential hazard.

The incident came during a period of significant air traffic disruption between the UK and Ireland, and coincided with a meeting of EU agriculture ministers concluding in Dublin.

The discovery is expected to trigger immediate questions about airspace security ahead of the presidential visit. Heightened security measures are currently being finalised across the capital and west coast in preparation for Mr Trump's arrival in Dublin and Co Clare on Saturday.

An Garda Síochána confirmed it is investigating the reports of the alleged sighting in conjunction with relevant authorities, but did not provide additional details on whether the object was successfully identified or tracked.

A pilot reported a large drone off Wicklow. Other pilots were alerted. Gardaí are investigating. Details remain unclear.

Timeline of Events

• Yesterday, 5pm - Commercial pilot reports large drone off Wicklow coast to Dublin Air Traffic Control
• 5pm–5:30pm - Other aircraft in the area alerted to possible drone presence over Irish Sea
• Gardaí initiate investigation in conjunction with other authorities
• Saturday - US President Donald Trump arrives in Ireland for official visit

In December of last year, drones were spotted off Dublin Bay during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

At the start of Ireland's EU Presidency in July, An Garda Síochána said it had invested significantly in drone and counter-drone capabilities and was confident in meeting European law enforcement standards.

An Garda Síochána said it is investigating reports of an alleged sighting of an unconfirmed object over the Irish Sea off the east coast. The force did not provide a description of the object beyond it being described as "large" by the pilot.

The reported sighting is occurring during an unusually complex operational environment: significant flight disruptions between UK and Irish airspace due to air traffic control issues in Britain were ongoing at the time.

No official statement has been released confirming whether the object was successfully identified or whether it posed an active threat. 

The discovery comes as Irish authorities prepare for one of the most significant security operations in recent years. Mr Trump's visit will involve substantial Garda presence, coordination with international security agencies, and enhanced airspace monitoring.

At the start of Ireland's EU Presidency in July, An Garda Síochána publicly stated its confidence in counter-drone capabilities. Authorities said they had invested significantly in drone and counter-drone technology and were meeting European law enforcement standards on the matter.

The timing of yesterday's sighting — just 72 hours before the presidential arrival — has heightened focus on whether current security protocols are adequate.

Drones were spotted off Dublin Bay in December during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit.

That incident also raised questions about airspace security during high-profile visits.