AN IRISH hotel had to be evacuated after a hoax device was discovered.

The popular Oriel House Hotel in Ballincollig, Co Cork had to be evacuated after the device, which resembled a homemade pipe bomb, was discovered near a lift shaft as a wedding was taking place in another part of the premises.

The discovery was made shortly before 9pm on Saturday night.

Gardai and the Defence Forces explosives and ordnance disposal (EOD) team from Collins Barracks attended the scene.

As a precautionary measure it was decided to evacuate the premises and cordon off the area.

The hotel was re-opened within two hours when it was confirmed that the device was "a crude hoax."

The Oriel House, one of the most popular hotels in Cork, was packed with August Bank Holiday weekend revellers as well as wedding guests at the time.

The wedding party is understood to have relocated to a nearby pub and restaurant and sports centre to allow the celebrations to continue.

Gardai and the EOD team confirmed the device was a hoax and are now conducting a detailed analysis of the device for any clues as to its origin.

A number of such hoax and viable devices have been discovered in Cork over the past 18 months.

Gardai said they are keeping an open mind as to the potential reason for the device being planted.

Online Editors