Gardai caught multiple groups who travelled as far as 50km to camp out at a Kilkenny recreational spot.
Mullinavat Gardai found spotted the groups while on beat patrol near Poulanassy Waterfall in South Kilkenny.
The groups were told that they were breaking the rules and sent back home.
Some of the groups told Gardai they believed the restrictions had been lifted as they read it on "an online social media page".
All the people complied with Gardai and left the area to head back to their homes.
A garda spokesperson said: " Mullinavat Gardaí on beat patrol of a local recreational area, the beautiful Poulanassy Waterfall in South Kilkenny, over the weekend encountered various large groups of people from different households who had travelled up to 50km, some all set to camp out.
"Gardaí engaged with the groups and explained the Covid-19 restrictions and guidelines to them.
"They stated that they believed that the travel restrictions had been lifted as they read it on an online social media page.
"Gardaí explained that this was not the case and that they should only obtain their information from a reputable source such as the HSE or Government websites.
"They were advised to return home which they complied with. Your local Gardaí in Kilkenny/Carlow continue to support Government Public Health Guidelines during Phase 1 which takes effect today, Monday 18th May.
"We will continue to engage, educate and encourage. Please remember to #StayHome except for essential journeys, exercise within 5km of your residence.
This phase is critical for our country, there has been a high compliance to date and this has contributed to the country moving to this new phase and we want to thank the public for that compliance but compliance with the update guidelines must be maintained."
