Gardaí make arrests as 'carnival atmosphere' sees large crowds gather in Cork

Footage circulating on social media showed large crowds gathering without masks in Cork City centre 

Garda vans on the streets in Cork City centre on Saturday night Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Gardaí made a number of arrests for public order offences in Cork City last night as part of their increased patrols for Covid-19 compliance. 

In scenes that are likely to alarm public health officials and politicians facing calls for the country to move swiftly out of Level 5 restrictions, large numbers of people have been gathering in Cork City centre tonight in what one garda described as "a carnival atmosphere".