More than 6,000 gardaí and trooops are on duty in the Shannon area as part of the security operation marking the visit of President Bush to Co Clare this evening for an EU/US summit.
Liz Curry from Dublin stands by at a peace camp, just outside Ennis, Co Clare today
Last night President Bush told RTÉ's Prime Timehe had embarked on the invasion and occupation of Iraq because he thought it would "make the world a better place".
He described the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, as a friend and added he would thank him for his help following his arrival in Dromoland Castle after 8 p.m.
Mr Bush said Irish people should not see evidence of ill-treatment of prisoners in Iraq as being representative of US policy.
"I hope the Irish people understand the great values of our country, and if they think a few soldiers represent the entire of America they don't really understand America. If they say this is what America represents, they don't understand our country."
Security staff from the United States armed forces and secret service officers are also on duty for the visit.
Heavy armoured vehicles have been deployed and four naval ships and Air Corp planes will surround Shannon Airport where President Bush is due to arrive tonight.
Specialist decontamination units and bomb disposal teams will also be on high alert to guard against a possible chemical or biological attack.
From 3 p.m. today, the main Ennis-to-Limerick Rd, the N18, will be closed between Clonmoney and Skehanagh. The R458 from Clare Inn to Ministers Cross Newmarket-on-Fergus is closed. Both roads will reopen on Saturday after 3 p.m.
As part of the protests against Mr Bush's visit, some 20 activists have established a peace camp in a field along the Limerick-Shannon dual carriageway, six kilometres from the airport.