Thousands of Irish citizens took to the streets on Saturday in a sweeping protest against mass immigration, waving Irish flags and voicing concerns over the wanting to put Irish citizens first.

According to the Irish Examiner, a major rally took place in Cork, where counter-protesters in support of mass migration were also present, some waving Palestinian flags. Police were also present to maintain peace between the two sets of protesters.

Barriers were put on the ground by law enforcement in order to keep the two groups apart from each other. Ireland First figure Derek Blighe appeared at the protest, addressing those in attendance and said that those who are Irish want a "homeland to return to." After slamming the government for prioritizing issues such as climate change and diversity, he added, "What counts in my heart is to put the Irish first."

The latest protest follows a large demonstration in Dublin several weeks earlier that drew over 50,000 attendees. Protesters in both cities carried signs reading “Ireland is Full” and “Irish Lives Matter,” while chants of “Ireland for the Irish” and “Whose streets? Our streets” echoed through the crowds.

Ireland has experienced a significant increase in migration in recent years. According to a report by The Irish Sun, the top five countries of origin for asylum seekers last year were Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Georgia. Nearly 18,500 asylum applications were filed.

In the first quarter of 2025, Ireland received 3,021 international protection applications, a decrease from the 5,162 recorded during the same period one year prior. Deportations have also seen a notable increase for those in the country illegally, as Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has implemented a stricter immigration policy.

Anti-mass migration activists have continued to argue that Ireland must preserve its national identity and cultural heritage in the face of large-scale immigration. Among the prominent figures voicing support for the movement is MMA fighter Conor McGregor, who has warned that “Ireland is at the cusp of potentially losing its Irishness."