The Oriel House Hotel in Ballincollig, Co. Cork, had to be evacuated after a device resembling a homemade pipebomb was found at the premises shortly before 9pm last night.
The hotel was packed at the time with people enjoying the Bank Holiday weekend and also a wedding party. All were relocated to a nearby pub and restaurant.
Gardai and ordnance disposal units were called, and the device was deemed a “crude hoax” after inspection.
Gardai said that they are keeping “an open mind” as to what the reasons for the device being planted might be.