One of Ireland’s top tourist towns is on high alert as a traveler family moved into a private property with their caravans over the weekend.

Gardai in Westport, Co. Mayo, are monitoring an influx of a group of travellers who have moved up to fifteen trailers onto a layby close to the Allergan Pharmecuticals (now AbbVie) Plant on the Castlebar Road.

 There is particular concern about the occupation due to local fears that a larger contingent of travelers plan to travel to Westport for the annual Croagh Patrick pilgrimage, which is traditionally held at the end of July.  

 Gardai say they have intelligence that a number of feuding families plan to use the pilgrimage site as a location to thresh out their differences.

 Commenting on the influx at AbbVie, Christy Hyland, a Westport based member of Mayo County Council, said: “It is shocking that private property can be taken over in this way."