Dublin (Dispatches) - Thousands of protesters on Saturday gathered in Dublin amid one of the biggest policing operations in the history of the State for the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The U.S. president spent the morning in the city. After landing at Dublin Airport, he traveled to Phoenix Park, where he was greeted by President Catherine Connolly before heading to a meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, during which he called for a “unified” Ireland. The president then delivered remarks to U.S. embassy personnel and business leaders before leaving Dublin to head to his golf course in Doonbeg for the Irish Open. Trump visit to Dublin may have been swift, but it has been met with fury among locals. 
At least 30 groups and political parties took part in the procession from Parnell Square to Dáil Éireann where a rally was held.
Rolling road closures were in place during the march and there is a strong garda presence.
People attending the march have spoke of their opposition to Mr Trump’s visit and have criticized the welcome he has been given by the Government.
Similar protests are taking place in Doonbeg in Co Clare where the U.S. President is staying for the Irish Open.
Others held up signs and inflatable versions of the US president while chanting, “Donald Trump, can you hear? We don’t want you here.”
One demonstrator was dressed in an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs as they wore a Trump mask. They had a sign that read “complicit in genocide” taped to them.
Some carried a banner reading, “rapists not welcome!” It featured an image of Trump with Conor McGregor. Others carried signs that read “blood of Palestine on his hands,” and “Irish Govt craven to Imperialist Facist Predator SHAME!”
Earlier, Trump had joked that protests in Ireland over his visit were “friendly.” “I haven’t seen any protests,” Trump responded when asked during his meeting with Martin what he would say to people who are protesting his trip. He then joked: “It’s a friendly protest.”
Trump’s visit began in Dublin and with that has come significant travel restrictions around Dublin Airport and Phoenix Park, which has since reopened.
The airport operated as normal, but those travelling to and from it were advised to allow extra time for their journeys.
A Sinn Féin spokesperson said: “It is right and proper that there will be protests at this visit. People are right to protest at every turn when international law is being violated in such a brazen and sustained way. Sinn Fein representatives and activists will take part”.
“There is no public appetite for this visit which is just a glorified golf trip for Trump”, said the Social Democrats Foreign Affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson.
The Labour Party, the Green Party and People Before Profit have also voiced their opposition to the trip.
The focus moved from the capital to Clare as Trump flew there for the Irish Open, which is taking place at his Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg.
Shannon Airport was also operating as normal but users should allow extra time. They are also advised to bring photo ID and valid flight documentation.