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On April 26, 2025, Dublin’s city center witnessed a significant anti-immigration protest that drew thousands, marking a pivotal moment in Ireland’s ongoing debate over migration policies.

The protests occurred on April 26, 2025, starting at 2:00 PM at the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin. Protesters marched through O’Connell Street, past the General Post Office (GPO), and ended at the Customs House along the River Liffey. The march caused significant traffic disruptions, with buses and cars rerouted as the Garda Síochána (Irish police) maintained a heavy presence to manage the crowd and a smaller counter-demonstration at the GPO.

The protest was organized by Malachy Steenson, a Dublin City Councillor and a prominent figure in Ireland’s anti-immigration movement. Steenson called for a “National Protest” to coincide with the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising, framing it as a patriotic stand against government policies.

The event was endorsed by Conor McGregor, the former UFC champion and a vocal critic of Ireland’s immigration policies, who promoted the march via a social media video. Other speakers included independent councillors Gavin Pepper and Philip Sutcliffe, as well as Patrick Quinlan from the National Party.

Irish actor Andy Quirke supplied many of the Irish tricolour flags waved by marchers, adding a visual element to the protest’s nationalist tone.

The protesters rallied against Ireland’s mass migration policies, particularly the government’s approach to housing asylum seekers and refugees in hotels and local communities without adequate consultation. Many expressed frustration over strained resources, such as housing and healthcare, exacerbated by Ireland’s ongoing housing crisis.

Slogans like “Ireland for the Irish” and “Get them out” were chanted, with some banners reading “Irish Lives Matter.” The protest also reflected broader concerns about cultural identity, with speakers like Gavin Pepper claiming, “Irish people come first in our own country.”

Immigration Statistics in Ireland

• Population Impact: As of 2023, Ireland’s foreign-born population reached over 1 million, constituting about 20% of the country’s 5.3 million residents.
• Asylum Seekers: In recent years, Ireland has seen over 10,000 asylum applications annually, with high rejection rates (up to 90% for some nationalities like Algerians), indicating many claims are considered economic rather than humanitarian.
• Ukrainian Refugees: Since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ireland has welcomed over 58,000 Ukrainian refugees by November 2022, adding pressure to accommodation systems.
• Net Migration: In the year leading to April 2023, 141,600 immigrants arrived in Ireland, the highest in 16 years, driven by economic opportunities.
• Public Sentiment: A May 2023 Red C poll found 75% of Irish people believe Ireland is taking in too many refugees, with 88% of independent voters sharing this view.

Estim 10,000 people participated in the anti-immigration march, according to the Sunday World. Conor McGregor claimed on X that 106,000 attended, though this figure is likely exaggerated and unverified by official sources. The Gardaí reported no major public order incidents, indicating a largely peaceful event despite the large turnout.

Voices from protesters and politicians reveal a spectrum of opinions-

1. Gavin Pepper, Dublin City Councillor: “We’ve had enough of it and the people in Leinster House are just not listening. It’s time for mass deportation.”
2. Micheál Martin, Taoiseach: “Conor McGregor’s remarks are wrong, and do not reflect the spirit of St Patrick’s Day, or the views of the people of Ireland.”
3. United Against Racism (Counter-Protesters): “Far-right politicians are offering an easy way out for those responsible for the many issues we face, from the housing crisis to hospital waiting lists. They want people who are struggling to blame other people who are struggling.”

McGregor, who did not attend the protest but posted a video encouraging participation, said: “We are not here to build hatred amongst each other. We are here to shine our light on the failure of the Irish government.”

The media response was polarized, reflecting Ireland’s divided views on immigration. Mainstream outlets like The Irish Times and RTÉ provided detailed coverage but were criticized by some for downplaying the protest’s scale.

The Irish Times noted the “hostile and aggressive interactions” between anti-immigration protesters and counter-demonstrators, emphasizing the Gardaí’s role in preventing clashes. Gript, a newer outlet, offered sympathetic coverage, framing the protests as a grassroots response to government neglect.

International media, such as Fox News and The Gateway Pundit, amplified the protests’ scale and McGregor’s involvement, linking them to broader European anti-migration sentiment,. Conversely, The Guardian and Euronews highlighted the far-right’s influence and the government’s struggle to counter misinformation,.

Additional Information

1. Easter Rising Connection: The protest was strategically timed to mark the 109th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising, a pivotal moment in Ireland’s fight for independence. Organizers used this historical context to frame their movement as a defense of Irish sovereignty, distributing copies of the 1916 Proclamation közben
2. Tricolour Symbolism: The large number of Irish tricolour flags, supplied by actor Andy Quirke, was a deliberate nod to nationalist sentiment. Some protesters wore “Make Ireland Great Again” caps, echoing Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan, signaling a transatlantic alignment with right-wing populism.
3. Counter-Demonstration Dynamics: The counter-protest, organized by groups like United Against Racism and left-wing parties such as People Before Profit, was smaller but vocal, chanting “Refugees are welcome” and holding signs reading “Stand Against Racism.” Gardaí used barriers and public order units to separate the groups, preventing violence,.

• Housing Crisis Context: Ireland’s housing crisis, ongoing since the mid-2010s, has fueled tensions. The government’s use of hotels and rural sites for asylum seekers has sparked local resentment, particularly in areas with limited services.
• McGregor’s Role: McGregor’s involvement, including his presidential candidacy announcement on an anti-immigration platform, has elevated the protests’ visibility. His White House visit with Donald Trump in March 2025 and subsequent comments about Ireland “losing its Irishness” have drawn both support and condemnation,.
• Violence Concerns: While the April 26 protest was peaceful, past incidents, such as arson attacks on buildings meant for asylum seekers (e.g., Tallaght in May 2024) and the 2023 Dublin riots, highlight the potential for escalation. Seventeen arrests were made at protests in 2023 alone.
• Ireland has seen a rise in specific crime rates linked to immigration. For more details on immigration and crime trends in Ireland, visit the Central Statistics Office at https://www.cso.ie.

The government has faced pressure to tighten asylum processes, particularly after reports of migrants crossing from Northern Ireland to avoid the UK’s Rwanda deportation plan. However, no major policy overhaul has been announced as of April 29, 2025.

The April 26, 2025, anti-immigration protests in Dublin reflect deep-seated frustrations with Ireland’s migration policies, amplified by a housing crisis and cultural identity debates.

Read more about understanding the reasons for the large waves of immigration in Europe

Organized by Malachy Steenson and boosted by Conor McGregor’s rhetoric, the event drew thousands, highlighting a divide between those demanding stricter immigration controls and those advocating for inclusivity.

The issue remains contentious, with the upcoming general election likely to keep immigration at the forefront of Irish politics.