With the return of the summer sun, two major GAA matches this weekend and the holiday season in full swing, AA Roadwatch has warned of traffic congestion on many routes.
"Everybody is going on their holidays this weekend," according to a spokesperson for AA Roadwatch, who said this mass exodus would result in heavy traffic right around the country.
Particular traffic hot spots will, of course, be the main routes for hurling and football fans travelling to Croke Park this weekend.
Today's Leinster football final replay between Westmeath and Laois takes place at 6.15 p.m. in Croke Park. Before that match minor hurling teams from Mayo and Kildare meet at 4.15 p.m. Gardaí have warned that delays are expected, particularly at Kinnegad where N6 and N4 traffic merges.
Sunday's hurling fixture sees Kilkenny play Clare at 2 p.m. Throw-in for the senior encounter between Antrim and Cork is at 4 p.m.
Usual restrictions will apply in the Croke Park area from noon today and 8.30 a.m. tomorrow. Parking will be available at Clonliffe College from 11 a.m. both days and at O'Connell School on North Richmond Street from noon on both days. Extensive parking is also available in O'Connell Street, at Marlborough Street and at the Parnell Centre.
Up to 25,000 motorcycle enthusiasts are expected at the Kells Motorcycle Road Races in Co Meath tomorrow. Diversions are in place around Crossakiel village. Roads will close at 1 p.m. today for a practice run and then on Sunday at 11 a.m. for the race at 11.15 a.m. Motorists have been warned that they should allow for delays in the area.
Peak season is also in full swing at the airports. Dublin Airport has reported a 9 per cent increase on last year's figures. More than 300,000 passengers are expected to travel through Dublin, Cork and Shannon this weekend, according to Aer Rianta.
More than 250,000 passengers will use Dublin Airport this weekend, while Cork and Shannon airports expect to handle 30,000 passengers each.
Ferries will also be running at full capacity. Irish Ferries will carry up to 33,000 passengers and 7,000 vehicles on their Irish routes. Stena Line expects 34,000 passengers and 8,500 cars. The Stena Express Fast Ferry service between Rosslare and Fishguard has been withdrawn from service for essential maintenance until Tuesday, July 27th. All booked passengers will be accommodated on alternative Stena sailings.
Rail users face disruption due to work on the DART line in Dublin. There will be no weekend DART or Commuter services between Pearse and Greystones this weekend. Additional bus services will operate on routes adjacent to the DART on the southside. Throughout the weekend, customers for Dublin Connolly to Gorey-Rosslare services will have to transfer to buses between Dublin and Greystones or Arklow. Delays of up to 40 minutes are expected.