The backpacker 3: Diplomatic row averted as hotels offer free stay

THREE young backpackers who were on the verge of sparking an international incident between Ireland and the US look set to be welcomed back with open arms and free accommodation.

Far from receiving the customary céad míle fáilte, Colin Zwirko, 21, Gavin Sides, 19, and Ben Whitehurst, 21, were given short shrift by an immigration official in Dublin airport when they arrived last Friday at the start of their dream trip to spend a year backpacking in Europe.

The trio were told they could not enter Ireland as they lacked an address of where they planned to stay in Dublin and bank statements to prove they could afford to travel.