Gardaí in Dublin prepare for up to eight protests today

Gardaí at an anti-lockdown protest in Dublin last month. Gardaí are now bracing themselves for a 'difficult' St Patrick's Day in the city. Picture: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

Gardaí in Dublin are bracing themselves for a “difficult” St Patrick's Day as they grapple with up to eight separate protests and events due to take place in the city.

Garda sources said the events involve different groups which are not expected individually to attract large numbers, but said it was not clear if many protests will attempt to join up.