Case No. 1856Breach of quarantine law (resisting mandatory hotel quarantine) · Co. Dublin · 2 Apr 2021
Two Dublin women acquitted of breaching mandatory hotel quarantine law after Dubai trip
Kirstie McGrath (34) and Niamh Mulreany (29), both women, were arrested on the afternoon of 2 April 2021 at Terminal 2 in Dublin Airport after returning from Dubai and charged with breaching section 38 of the Health (Amendment) Act 2021 for resisting mandatory hotel quarantine. Their lawyers brought a legal challenge over the constitutionality of the quarantine legislation to the Supreme Court, which dismissed the action in September 2021. In April 2025, Judge John Hughes acquitted the two women at Dublin District Court, finding the prosecution failed to adduce evidence that the penalties for non-compliance had been outlined to them as required. The acquittal concluded their four-year legal battle.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Acquitted15 Apr
- Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- The two women were arrested at Terminal 2, Dublin Airport, after returning from Dubai and were charged with resisting mandatory hotel quarantine.
- They claimed they intended to undergo cosmetic surgery in Dubai but did not have the procedure, and had pre-booked their places in the designated hotel as required.
- Where
- They had travelled to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
- When
- They were arrested on the afternoon of 2 April 2021.
- Investigation
- Garda Karl Carroll spent 90 minutes talking to the two women and explaining the regulations starting around 1pm, while Air Corps officer Mark McLoughlin was on duty as terminal liaison officer.
- Charges
- They were charged with breaching section 38 of the Health (Amendment) Act 2021 for resisting being brought to quarantine.
- In court
- Their lawyers brought a legal challenge over the constitutionality of the quarantine legislation to the Supreme Court, which dismissed the action in September 2021.
- Judge John Hughes acquitted the two women at Dublin District Court in April 2025, finding the prosecution failed to adduce evidence that the penalties for non-compliance had been outlined to them as required.
- Sentence
- The offence carried a fine of up to €2,000 and a month in jail.
- Other details
- Neither woman gave evidence or addressed the court and simply smiled following their acquittal, concluding their four-year legal battle.
14 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThey claimed they intended to undergo cosmetic surgery in Dubai but did not have the procedure. (irishtimes.com)
- whatThe two women had pre-booked their places in the designated hotel as required under the legislation. (irishtimes.com)
- whereThey had travelled to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. (irishtimes.com)
- whenThe two women were arrested on the afternoon of 2 April 2021 at Terminal 2 in Dublin Airport. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationAir Corps officer Mark McLoughlin was on duty as terminal liaison officer to transfer passengers to be quarantined at a designated hotel. (irishtimes.com)
- investigationGarda Karl Carroll spent 90 minutes talking to the two women and explaining the regulations starting around 1pm. (irishtimes.com)
- chargeThey were charged with breaching section 38 of the Health (Amendment) Act 2021 for resisting being brought to quarantine. (irishtimes.com)
- courtTheir lawyers brought a legal challenge over the constitutionality of the quarantine legislation to the Supreme Court, which dismissed the action in September. (irishtimes.com)
- courtJudge John Hughes dismissed the case at Dublin District Court. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMark Lynam SC, defending, was instructed by solicitor Michael French. (irishtimes.com)
- courtMr Lynam submitted there was no evidence the UAE came under the restrictions or that his clients were resisting the quarantine law. (irishtimes.com)
- courtJudge Hughes cited a High Court ruling on the power of compulsion under the Public Order Act requiring an officer to inform a person that failing to comply can result in criminal conviction and penalties. (irishtimes.com)
- sentenceThe offence carried a fine of up to €2,000 and a month in jail. (irishtimes.com)
- otherNeither woman gave evidence or addressed the court and simply smiled following their acquittal, concluding their four-year legal battle. (irishtimes.com)
The reporting
newest first- 15 Apr2025Dublin women accused of breaking quarantine law over Dubai trip walk free from court four years on
Reports the acquittal by Judge John Hughes at Dublin District Court, who found the prosecution failed to adduce evidence that the penalties for non-compliance with the quarantine law had been outlined to the two women as required.
accused, Kirstie McGrath, 34, female, named, irish (judged from name)Kirstie McGrathaccused, Niamh Mulreany, 29, female, named, irish (judged from name)Niamh Mulreany