On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Dublin city centre witnessed significant demonstrations as thousands participated in both an anti-immigration protest and a counter-demonstration advocating for immigrant rights.
Anti-Immigration Protest
The anti-immigration protest commenced at the Garden of Remembrance, with participants marching down O’Connell Street towards the Customs House. Demonstrators carried Irish tricolour flags and signs bearing slogans such as “Irish Lives Matter,” “Coolock Says No,” and “Ireland is Full.” The protest was organized to express opposition to the government’s immigration policies and coincided with the 109th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising.
MMA fighter Conor McGregor shared a video from the Garden of Remembrance, stating that people had gathered to share their “full disapproval” of the government.
Counter-Demonstration
Simultaneously, a counter-demonstration organized by groups including United Against Racism, Labour, People Before Profit, and Rosa took place outside the General Post Office (GPO). Participants chanted “Refugees are welcome here” and criticized the anti-immigration protest. The counter-demonstration was held behind Garda cordons and metal barriers, with a significant Garda presence ensuring that both events proceeded without major incidents.
Public Safety and Impact
The demonstrations led to disruptions in traffic through the city centre after 2 p.m., with buses queued along the quays of the River Liffey and cars redirected by Gardaí. A Garda helicopter monitored the events from above, and public order units were deployed to maintain safety.
The events highlighted the ongoing public discourse surrounding immigration policies in Ireland, with both sides voicing their perspectives in a largely peaceful manner.
