Britain's Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall arrive at Westminster Abbey

Six men have been arrested in a cross-country garda operation targeting dissident republican activity, less than one week before Prince Charles and his wife Camilla are due to visit Ireland.

Two men, aged in their 20s, were arrested during a search operation in Co Leitrim.

They were stopped close to Glenfarne on the N16 Sligo to Blacklion Road.

A pistol and two pipe bombs were discovered in the vehicle they were travelling in.

The Army Bomb Disposal Unit made safe two Improvised Explosive Devices at the scene.

It is understood that gardai received credible intelligence of a plot targeting the heir to the British throne.

The scene where they were arrested is a short distance from Sligo Racecourse, which Charles and Camilla are due to visit.

Gardaí carried out 20 searches across counties Louth, Wexford and Leitrim and arrested four men, three of them aged in their 20s and the fourth aged in his 60s.

They also recovered components for explosive devices at some of the locations - it is believed there were enough components seized to make two large bombs.

One of those locations is believed to be Maynooth University, where a TPU (Timer Powered Unit) was found in a locker.

Components of a explosive devices were made safe at a scene in Courtown in Co Wexford, and Dromiskin in Co Louth.

The four were arrested on suspicion of "directing terrorism, membership of an unlawful organisation and possession of explosives" and were being questioned in Dublin last night.

One of them is believed to be a well-known dissident republican with a number of convictions.

Hundreds of gardai have been told they will have to work their day off as part of a 'ring of steel' around the future Monarch on his visit here.

Irish Independent