Cork city has had its first car free afternoon for more than 20 years, with all vehicles - apart from buses and taxis - banned from the city centre.
Instead, people were encouraged to walk, cycle or use public transport to get to and around the city centre between noon and 6.30pm.
Cork was among 1,300 towns and cities across Europe to go car free today.
The initiative was promoted by Cork City Council, along with Cork Environmental Forum, the Transport and Mobility Forum, Cork Cycling Group, Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, Cork Chamber, Cork Business Association and An Garda Síochána.
A wet afternoon meant there were less people in the city centre today.
Opinions among businesses in the city on the car free project were divided.
Speaking to RTÉ News, Lord Mayor of Cork Councillor Kieran McCarthy said he was in favour of the trial.
"It hasn't been done for over 20 years and it's great to bring it back," he said.
"Cork City Council has a huge focus on climate change. In the last five years we have closed off 17 or 18 streets and pedestrianised them and there's an on-going discussion with traders on how we continue that journey.
"We have to do things like this, and we have a progressive city development plan that climate change is at the heart of."
Research, commissioned by Cork City Council's Climate Action Unit has indicated that almost one third of greenhouse gas emissions in Cork city are caused by road transport.
A separate study, published earlier this week, indicated that two thirds of Cork people strongly agree that Cork must transform into a more sustainable place to live and work that is climate neutral and resilient.
The city council said the study also indicated that 86 per cent of Cork people want more pedestrianised streets.
Street closures applied to a 'red zone' in the city centre, which included Patrick Street, North Main Street, Cornmarket Street, Castle Street and Adelaide Street.
Cork Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Conor Healy said travelling less by car would help Cork to reach 2030 climate targets.
"Car free day is a great incentive to trial switching transport modes, whether it's public transport, park and ride, TFI bikes or walking.
"Reductions in traffic also create a more pleasant street atmosphere for those visiting, shopping and enjoying the cultural offering of our wonderful city." he said.
Cork Business Association President Kevin Herlihy described the initiative as a fantastic opportunity.
"We at the The Cork Business Association are advocates of the 15 minute model where people will be able to live, work and socialise within 15 minutes of the city centre," he said.
"The future of transport will be walking, cycling and using public transport such as buses and, in time, the light rail system."
Darren McAdam O'Connell from Cork Transport and Mobility Forum said it was great to see Cork giving the streets back to the people for a day.
"Streets were always social spaces for the people of the city to enjoy, to meet and greet their neighbours, until so much space was given over to traffic," he said.
