Thousands expected in Dublin across weekend for major events

RTÉ News​

8 hours ago

Thousands of people are expected in Dublin this weekend with a large number of major events being held across the capital.
Gardaí have said that the public transport network as well as roads in and around the city centre will be busy across the weekend, with people asked to plan their journeys well in advance.
The Phoenix Park will play host to three major concerts, with US country star Zach Bryan taking the stage tonight, tomorrow evening and Sunday evening.
Organisers say up to 180,000 fans are expected to attend the gigs across the weekend.
In Fairview Park, Dundalk folk group The Mary Wallopers will play a sold-out concert this evening before US indie band Kingfishr perform in the north Dublin venue tomorrow night.
The British and Irish Lions will kick off their six-week campaign with their first ever test match in Ireland, with the Aviva Stadium expected to be at full capacity.
Around 51,000 spectators are set to watch Andy Farrell's side take on Argentina at 8pm this evening.
There will be two Croke Park double headers this weekend. Tomorrow, Dublin will take on Limerick in the All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship quarter-final at 4pm.
This will be followed by the All Ireland Senior Football Championship quarter final between Dublin and Cork at 6.15pm.
On Sunday, both Tailteann Cup semi-finals will be hosted in Croker back to back. Wicklow take on Limerick at 2pm followed by Kildare vs Fermanagh at 4pm.
There are also two public gatherings planned for Dublin city centre on Sunday afternoon, which are expected to lead to road closures.
Speaking ahead of this weekend's events, Assistant Commissioner for Dublin, Paul Cleary said: "This weekend is packed with lots of activity and with the summer weather also looking promising, we look forward to helping to welcome thousands of people into Dublin to make the most of their weekend.
"We want you to enjoy yourselves if socialising or attending any one of the exciting sporting and music events happening in the city, but to please be mindful of others and how your behaviour may impact their experience.
"This summer's public events would not be able to go ahead were it not for the gardaí that will be working above and beyond this weekend and for the remainder of the summer to keep people safe.
"Should you feel unsafe or need our assistance in any way over the weekend, please contact us or stop anyone of us on our high-visibility patrols across the city, and in an emergency or immediate danger, always dial 999/112."
Iarnród Éireann will run extra services to help manage the large crowds, with late-night trains operating from Heuston Station following the Zach Bryan concerts.
Dublin Bus has said there will be a number of diverions on some routes, such as the 11, 26, 37, 38, 38a and 69.
Road closures will also be in place around Ballsbridge ahead of the Lions match, with an additional Connolly to Drogheda service scheduled for 11.25pm tomorrow night.
Iarnród Éireann, Dublin Bus and An Garda Síochána will share updates on their social media pages across the weekend.