Illegal Immigration tensions in Ireland: Yet another prediction has come true from the 2025 Old Moore’s Almanac.
Ireland is experiencing a surge in public debate over illegal immigration, with recent protests and counter-protests reflecting deep divisions over the country’s approach to asylum seekers.
Over the weekend, people marched in Letterkenny, County Donegal, expressing concerns about the rising number of asylum seekers and the strain on local resources. A similar demonstration in Carrickmacross drew participants, where speakers criticised government policies and the housing of migrants in small communities.
@reformireland Protests continue to sweep across the nation 🇮🇪 #immigration #ireland #fyp
Meanwhile, hundreds of counter-protesters in Letterkenny advocated for inclusion and denounced what they see as growing hostility toward migrants.
Rising Illegal Immigration and Public Concerns
According to the Central Statistics Office, approximately 150,000 people moved to Ireland in 2023-24, marking the highest immigration level in 17 years. Of these, around 33,000 are international protection applicants, a significant increase from 7,244 in 2017. The influx includes refugees from conflict zones such as Ukraine, alongside arrivals from Africa and the Middle East.
@rtenews An anti-immigration protest and counter-demonstration have met each other on O’Connell Street in Dublin city centre. Although tensions remains high, the afternoon has so far passed off without any major incidents. The Garda Public Order Unit has formed a cordon at the central median on O’Connell Street. The Garda Air Support Unit is overhead while the Garda Mounted Support Unit is also at the scene. A couple of thousand supporters of the United Against Racism group remain gathered outside the GPO at O’Connell Street. Around 5,000 people taking part in the anti-immigration protest are making their way down the opposite side of O’Connell Street. Thousands are attending the anti-immigration protest The vast majority of them are holding and waving the Irish Tricolour, while some are waving flags and holding signs in support of US President Donald Trump. Despite the two groups chanting at and jeering each other, gardaí have managed to maintain the cordon between them. Given the large volume of people in Dublin city centre this afternoon, it is hard to put an exact number on the size of each group. #protest #rtenews #Dublin
Many asylum seekers are housed in economically challenged areas or small towns, with some unable to secure accommodation, leading to makeshift tent encampments along Dublin’s Grand Canal.
Local frustrations have been fuelled by Ireland’s ongoing housing crisis, high taxes, and strained public services. In Carrickmacross, independent councilor Seamus Treanor voiced concerns about anti-social behavior and safety, attributing these issues to rapid demographic changes. Protesters in Letterkenny waved Irish and Donegal flags, with some carrying signs expressing distrust in government policies.
Illegal Immigration: Counter-Protests and Calls for Unity
In response, groups like United Against Racism Donegal organised counter-protests in Letterkenny, promoting messages of equality and respect. Speakers condemned the rise in anti-migrant rhetoric, urging communities to embrace diversity. Police maintained order by erecting barriers between the two groups, preventing any reported clashes.
Illegal Immigration: A Broader Context of Strain
The migration debate comes amid significant challenges for Ireland. The Irish Refugee Council reports that over 3,000 asylum seekers are currently homeless, with 5,671 of 6,407 applicants refused accommodation since December 2023.
Old Moore has had a stellar year so far with his predictions, so keep an eye on this website for more news.
