Huge crowds have staged anti-migrant protests in Ireland amid growing anger at the government over an increase in arrivals and asylum claims. 

More than a thousand are believed to have joined a march in County Donegal's Letterkenny over the weekend, with several hundred having organised a counter-protest.

Ireland has seen anti-migrant anger growing in recent months, over the sheer number of asylum seekers being housed across the nation. Many of them are unable to get accommodation, forcing them to sleep in tents which has further incited anger.  

The 'Letterkenny Peaceful Assembly/Protest Against Illegal Immigration' started at the lower end of Port Road, in the town's eastern side, and and concluded at Market Square. 

Over in Carrickmacross, a similar protest, this one attended by around 800, was launched on Friday, where speakers criticised the Irish government and landlords profiting from housing asylum seekers. 

Local independent councillor Seamus Treanor said people living in his ward did not feel safe in their own homes, given heightened levels of anti-social behaviour. 

'I want to get one thing straight - the reason we have a housing problem in this county is because our government opened our borders, and invited the whole third world to come in.

'They came in their tens of thousands, and communities like Carrickmacross are suffering the consequences. 

'The so-called opposition are in step with the government, and agree with their policy.' 

Many were seen waving Irish and Donegal flags in protest against what they believed was a surge of illegal migration to the country. 

One little girl was seen holding a large sign that read: 'TRAITORS ARE LIVING AMONGST US.' 

But hundreds of counter-protesters were also present at the Letterkenny march, railing against the anti-migrant sentiment seen across the nation in recent months. 

The United Against Racism Donegal Group invited speakers, who spoke in favour of inclusion, respect and equality for all, and rejected the incitement to hatred.

Cops reportedly managed to watch over the incident without any confrontations, having erected a physical barrier between the two groups.