Several groups, including senior clergymen and lawyers, have announced their opposition to the visit to Ireland of the US President, George W Bush, this weekend.
The Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin and other clergymen called on people to join protests against the visit.
Dean Robert McCarthy told a news conference in Dublin that it was important to protest against the policies of the US President.
He said Ireland cannot claim to be neutral if the US Military continues to use Shannon Airport.
Speaking at the same event, Brendan Butler of the NGO Peace Alliance said planned demonstrations in Dublin and at Dromoland Castle were not anti-American and would be peaceful.
Peace groups are planning a demonstration against the Bush visit in central Dublin next Friday night and at Dromoland Castle the following morning.
Peace Alliance said that it would be working closely with the gardaí to ensure the events pass off peacefully.
Lawyers issue statement opposing visit
Meanwhile, a group of more than 170 lawyers has issued a statement opposing the visit of Mr Bush to Ireland.
The lawyers, including 16 of the country's most senior barristers, are strongly critical of what they call Mr Bush's illegal war policies.
A spokesperson for the group said the Bush visit was a photo opportunity to boost the President's re-election campaign.
