County Laois was the only midland county to celebrate European Car Free Day on Saturday.
Hundreds of people thronged the Main Street of Portlaoise in what many locals described as a "festive occasion."
The Main Street was festooned with multi-coloured balloons and buntings.
Various entertainment events were organised throughout the day.
County Secretary Louis Brennan said: "There's a lot of people about and certainly a great buzz. The town has taken on a festive appearance and it's great to see a lot of families with buggies and young people about."
Laois Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer, Ms Margaret Ryan commented: "The event went off very well with only minor inconveniences to delivery vans. Today should prove a positive initiative for the traders and consumers of the town."
Local business man and manager of the Laois Ladies Senior football team, Mr Sean Delaney, felt this year's car-free day went "very well."
"I'm happier with the way the event has been organised this year. I still fell the whole town of Portlaoise should be car-free instead of one street, Main Street."
While most people expressed their approval for the day, Portarlington woman Regina Smith expressed her displeasure: "If this was supposed to be car-free day then why was there not any alternative transport provided to bring shoppers who had to park their cars on the edge of the town into the centre." Seven-year old Gavin McFal said: "It's a good day but there should be burgers, chips, drinks and bouncing castles here."
A mother of two, Ms Madeline O'Brien, suggested: "There should be more of these days throughout the year."
The Chairperson of Laois County Council, Cllr Martin Rohan, the Vice-Chairperson Portlaoise Town Commission, Mr Brian Stanley and Mr Steve Burke of the Laois Chamber of Commerce officially launched Portlaoise European Car-Free day.