A string of Islamophobic attacks has hit Dublin, Ireland, after a prayer hall was targeted in a suspected arson attack and three Muslims were attacked on video for allegedly “smiling at children”.
The Faizan E Madinah prayer hall on Talbot Street, Dublin, was suspected to have been set alight by an Islamophobe on Monday at 15:35 local time. The man suspected of the attack was filmed outside the prayer hall as a fire burned, shouting Islamophobic abuse.
“We don’t want Islam in Ireland. Do you understand? Go back to your f*cking country. I burnt down a mosque in Talbot Street. We don’t want Islam in this country,” the man shouted in a Persian accent as a civilian tried to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher.
The man, who is in his 40s, was arrested. Significant damage was caused to the prayer hall by the fire, but no one was injured. The Gardaí (Irish Police) are currently carrying out an investigation, and no details have been confirmed as to whether this was a hate crime.
According to Irish broadcaster RTÉ, the Gardaí do not believe the attack is linked to racist or far-right elements.
Statement from Irish Muslim Council
Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, Chairperson of the Irish Muslim Council, published a statement condemning the attack: “The Irish Muslim Council strongly condemns today’s shocking arson attack on a mosque on Talbot Street in Dublin city centre. The reported petrol bomb attack, carried out on a Monday afternoon in broad daylight, is a deeply disturbing assault on a place of worship and an attack on the fundamental values of peace, religious freedom and community safety that Ireland holds dear.
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“Our thoughts are with the congregation and all those affected by this appalling act. Every person must be able to attend their place of worship without fear, intimidation or violence.
“This incident comes after weeks of repeated intimidation directed at this mosque. On numerous occasions, individuals associated with the far right entered the mosque, livestreamed worshippers on social media platforms, interrogated members of the congregation, and spread inflammatory and false narratives portraying Muslims as a threat to Irish society. Such campaigns of harassment and dehumanisation are reckless and dangerous. While the Garda investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding today’s attack, sustained hate-filled rhetoric and organised intimidation create an environment in which extremists may feel emboldened to commit acts of violence.
“The Irish Muslim Council has repeatedly warned about the growing threat posed by anti-Muslim hatred and far-right extremism. Today’s attack demonstrates that when hatred is normalised and incitement is left unchecked, the consequences can be grave.”
“We call on An Garda Síochána to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. We also urge political leaders, social media companies and all sectors of society to confront hate speech, organised intimidation and extremist propaganda before further violence occurs.
“The Muslim community has long been an integral part of Irish society, contributing positively to every aspect of national life. We will not be intimidated by those who seek to divide our communities through fear and hatred. We remain committed to working with people of all faiths and backgrounds to uphold the values of mutual respect, justice and peaceful coexistence.”
Muslim men attacked in park
A separate attack occurred on Saturday, with three Muslim men filmed being assaulted in Poppintree Park, Ballymun, Dublin.
The visibly Muslim men were approached by a man with a camera and accused of “smiling at children” without any evidence.
The individual then told them to get out of the park and struck two of the men with punches and kicks, knocking one of them to the ground before they ran away in fear.
One of the Muslims who was attacked has been identified as a local man who regularly takes part in charity runs through the park.
The Gardaí have launched an investigation following the alleged assault.
A spokesperson for the Gardaí said: “Gardaí responded to reports of an alleged assault in Poppintree Park, Ballymun, Dublin 11, on Saturday, 27 June 2026. Investigations are ongoing.”
The twin attacks are part of a broader trend of rising Islamophobia and hate attacks across Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Belfast Riots earlier this month following outrage over stabbing attack saw Muslim businesses and homes attacked, with visibly non-white Muslims being targeted and stopped in the streets by rioters.
Ireland itself has also reported a sharp rise in Islamophobia with vandalism, attacks, and arson attacks being reported.
