More than 1,000 people are estimated to have attended a protest in Letterkenny in Co Donegal which organisers said was about countering illegal immigration, while several hundred people took part in a counter protest near the same location.
The 'Letterkenny Peaceful Assembly/Protest Against Illegal Immigration' started at the lower end of Port Road and concluded at Market Square.
Many people who took part in the march waved Irish flags and some Donegal flags.
Speakers criticised the Government and called for changes to the IPAS system and immigration policies.
A short time earlier, the United Against Racism Donegal Group held a counter protest near the same location where speakers called for inclusion, respect and equality for all communities as well as a rejection of incitement to hatred.
Gardaí erected a barrier and maintained a physical cordon which separated both gatherings while a garda helicopter maintained a presence overhead.
The gatherings appeared to pass without incident or confrontation. The garda policing plan included the closure of Port Road and Letterkenny Main Street from traffic.
Following a meeting of elected representatives this week, Donegal County Council issued a statement in which it emphasised its commitment to ensuring the county remains a "welcoming, inclusive, and respectful place".
The statement said there were 2,071 people, including 892 children, residing in 30 IPAS centres in Donegal on 16 April.
Gardaí engaged in advance with organisers ahead of both planned gatherings this afternoon.
