Tensions Rise in Ireland as Anti-Immigration Protests Sweep Dublin

Dublin, June 22, 2025 — This afternoon, large crowds of anti-immigration demonstrators assembled in Dublin city centre, opposing government policies around asylum seekers and international protection. The protests, held mainly along O’Connell Street and the Garden of Remembrance, coincided with a counter-demonstration organized by anti-racism and immigrant-rights groups

Key Figures and Far‑Right Presence

At the forefront of these demonstrations was Mark Sinclair, a former UVF member and cousin of the infamous Shankill Butcher. Sinclair, recently released after 17 years in prison, has been actively leading rallies in both Dublin and Limerick—a troubling sign of far‑right influence resurging in Irish protests

Another prominent activist, Derek Blighe, founder and former leader of “Ireland First”, has been filming and promoting anti-immigrant narratives nationwide, embracing conspiracy-heavy rhetoric associated with the "great replacement" theory

Misinformation Fuelling Tensions

False claims have abounded on social media, with one recent example involving a shooting at Carlow’s Fairgreen Shopping Centre. Anti-immigration groups distorted the incident, falsely branding it a terror attack while spreading reports of multiple fatalities—despite official clarification that it stemmed from a suicide and resulted in only one minor injury

Echoes in Northern Ireland

Heightened tensions are not limited to the Republic. In Northern Ireland, towns such as Ballymena have seen rioting, arson, and attacks on migrant properties following a court case involving Romanian teenagers. These disturbances highlight the chilling effect of unchecked xenophobic sentiment and paramilitary undertones

Community Impact

In Dublin, families report increasing stress and safety concerns. In one case, a Romanian mother removed her son from school due to nearby protests during morning drop-off—a demonstration that included tents and graffiti outside the International Protection Accommodation Service centre.

According to Garda sources, although anti-immigration protests have decreased since their 2023 peak, they retain the potential for violence—particularly as more accommodation centres are planned

Government and Civil Society Response

• An Garda Síochána has deployed significant public order units to manage both protests and counter-demonstrations, making arrests when necessary.
• Local authorities have engaged in public consultation efforts with communities where reception centres are to be built.
• Justice and Migration Minister Jim O’Callaghan is overseeing a proposed asylum-processing overhaul aimed at accelerating claims, increasing deportations, and expanding capacity—an effort rated as essential in calming public unrest.
• NGOs and advocacy groups have condemned both misinformation and xenophobic rhetoric, calling for nuanced dialogue and factual briefing at the local level.

Outlook and Risks

Asylum reform remains under intense scrutiny. While the government’s plans to streamline the system may relieve some pressure, far-right activists continue to stoke fears via misleading social media campaigns. With more reception centres on the horizon, activists warn of new flashpoints unless proactive public communication and community engagement measures are implemented.