Maireád Maguire and Derek Graham, who were on board a ferry seized by the Israeli navy off the Gaza coast, arrived back in Dublin last night after being deported.
Mr Graham, who was first mate on the vessel Spirit of Humanity, said he was "relieved" to be back in Ireland.
“It was an unusual experience,” he added. “First time ever being arrested actually. A frightening experience.”
However, he said they were well-treated in Israel.
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Mr Graham is from Mayo but now lives in Cyprus. He is a director of the Cyprus- based Free Gaza movement.
Ms Maguire won the 1976 Nobel Peace Prize.
The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign organised a welcoming committee for the pair at Dublin airport.