Gardai in Kilkenny stopped a pair of people "just off the ferry" at a checkpoint on Saturday.
Officers saw a car coming towards their checkpoint near Kilkenny city and noticed the driver and passenger swapping seats as they approached.
The car was pulled over and it was found that the pair were just off the ferry and headed to visit family in Kilkenny before moving on to Waterford.
Officers found a number of other offences and detained the suspects.
A garda spokesperson said: "Gardaí from Unit C intercepted this vehicle at a static checkpoint in Kilkenny today (Saturday).
"Before pulling up at the checkpoint it was noted that driver and passenger swapped seats, a Big No No! The driver was arrested for the provision of a false name and the vehicle seized under Section 41 as the driver was on a UK learner permit.
"Further to this registration plates of a similar car were found in the boot.
"It transpired that they were just off the ferry and decided to visit family in Kilkenny before heading to Waterford. On this occasion we were glad to offer hospitality at the station."
People coming in from abroad have to isolate for 14 days before being allowed visit friends or family - although under level three restrictions people cannot leave their county unless it's for essential reasons.
