The Department of Foreign Affairs is warning Irish tourists planning to visit Spain to be ready to “adjust their travel plans” at short notice.
The advice comes as Catalonia declared its independence from Spain following weeks of protests against attempts to suppress an illegal referendum held earlier this month.
The Spanish government’s decision to reject the declaration and formally dissolved the Catalonian parliament has sparked fears that the region could see increased levels of civil unrest and violence.
Irish tourists have been warned to avoid any confrontation with police or demonstrators, and have been told that they should be aware that further protests in Catalonia and elsewhere in Spain are likely.
“You should avoid all demonstrations, monitor local media and follow the advice of the local authorities and your tour operator,” the Department has written on its Travel Advice section for Spain.
“Be prepared to adjust your travel plans at short notice if necessary.
“When a demonstration is planned or in progress, avoid the routes marchers plan to take. You should also check for travel updates or transport delays before and during your trip to Spain.”
The advice continues: “Due to the current political situation, public gatherings and demonstrations have taken place in Catalonia, Madrid and elsewhere in Spain.
“There is a possibility of further spontaneous gatherings and protests in Catalonia and elsewhere in Spain.
“Such actions have the potential to affect local transport and other services.”
The Irish Government has announced that it does not recognise the Catalan republic as a sovereign nation, saying it “respects the constitutional and territorial integrity of Spain”.
“We do not accept or recognise the Catalan Unilateral Declaration of Independence,” said a spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs.
“The resolution of the current crisis needs to be within Spain’s constitutional framework and through Spain’s democratic institutions. Ireland supports efforts to resolve this crisis through lawful and peaceful means.”