A number of organisations and community groups have marched in Galway city to stand together on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
They include Amach LGBT, the Galway Traveller Movement, Galway City Community Network and asylum seekers.
Nora Corcoran, a settled Traveller living in Ballinasloe who is a mother, grandmother and a leading campaigner within the Galway Traveller Movement, said she became an activist "for positive change, to fight for social justice and come together in solidarity with other diverse groups".
"It's time to eliminate racism and end discrimination," she added.
Ms Corcoran said education is key and she herself graduated with an honours degree in business, social enterprise and leadership last year.
She is currently completing a master's in social policy at Trinity College Dublin.
She said: "I'm a proud activist and Traveller.
"Travellers have suffered discrimination since the very beginning of the State.
"So we're here to say enough is enough.
"We're entitled to our basic human rights in all areas whether it's social, economic, school or colleges."
Sai Gujulla is a Peace Commissioner for the city and county of Galway and a member of GCARD.
He said this was a peaceful protest designed to bring people together and create awareness.
Mr Gujulla said: "We are gathered here for a peaceful protest against racism and discrimination that groups of people are facing against the likes of housing, disability and all the different forms of discrimination that people face.
"We want to raise awareness and seek protection for these groups."
Tiernan Arnup Egan said those gathered did so to "stand against racism and discrimination here".
"The LGBT community exists in all other communities and it's really important to remember that everyone needs to be included in this cause and this movement here in Galway," the community worker with Amach LGBT added.
Margaret O'Riada, who represents the Galway Traveller Movement, said they march as one under the umbrella group Galway Communities against Racism and Discrimination (GCARD).
Ms O'Riada said: "In today's world, there is so much false and misleading information that functions to divide people on issues that should unite them such as housing, access to vital services and equality.
"GCARD aims to counteract narratives that tend to divide communities and turn them against each other.
"We want to build a strong Galway where communities work together.
" We live in a time where our leaders are running to war while our communities are being bled dry."
Watch: Groups rally in Galway against racial discrimination
In March 2023, the Government launched its National Action Plan Against Racism which aims to protect minority groups and improve representation in public life.
"Being safe, being equal and being seen" are the three pillars of anti-racism strategies being implemented.
However, the pace of change has been criticised by groups, including Pavee Point who work to promote equality and social justice for Irish Travellers.
They say that while some progress has been made regarding inclusion and racial equality, the pace of change is insufficient to meet the "scale and urgency" of challenges to social cohesion and equality.
