Anti-fox hunting campaigners have staged demonstrations at two hunts. The Association of Hunt Saboteurs and Badger Watch Ireland mounted protests at the traditional hunt events in Co Waterford and Co Meath.
About 30 demonstrators in Tramore, Co Waterford, were almost outnumbered by a strong police presence, as around 60 huntsmen moved off. But the start of the meeting was peaceful, both sides confirmed. A smaller group of protesters turned up for the Meath hunt in Kells.
They waved placards and blew whistles, but there was no violence. Ahead of the event, the protesters had said their demonstrations - backing their call for a ban on bloodsports in Ireland, and highlighting the "plight of the hunted animal" - were aimed at being strictly peaceful.
With the momentum apparently growing in Britain in favour of planned legislation to curb hunting, campaigners against bloodsports in Ireland say they fear that British enthusiasts could start travelling here to hunt.
The Irish Association of the Masters of Foxhounds said they hoped that people would be calm and enjoy the day's sport.