31 May 2013
Posted by Laura Holland 
‘We’re spoilt for choice this June Bank Holiday Weekend. With a myriad of festivals and sporting events taking place, as well as the promise of pleasant weather, motorists are expected to take to the roads in their droves’ says Aoife Carragher, Head of AA Roadwatch. ‘The June Bank Holiday is traditionally the busiest of the year and drivers should bear this in mind when making their travel plans.’
A standard bank holiday usually kicks off on Thursday afternoon with a mass exodus from approximately 3pm onwards affecting all the main cities. Motorists departing from Dublin on Thursday and Friday need to remember that Bloom is taking place at the Phoenix Park; this is likely to bring a lot of extra vehicular and pedestrian traffic to the area.
Up to 80,000 people are likely to attend the event over the course of the bank holiday weekend. Nearby, the Forbidden Fruit Festival taking place on the grounds of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham will add to delays on Saturday and Sunday.
The Cats Laughs Comedy Festival in Kilkenny City gets bigger every year. The festival runs from Thursday 30th May until Monday 3rd June and delays are most likely accessing Kilkenny from the M9, the N78 Castlecomer Rd, N77 Ballyragget Rd and on the N76 Callan Rd.
In Killarney, 30,000 bikers will attend the Ireland Bike Fest over the weekend. There will be particularly heavy traffic on the Muckross Rd for the parade at 11am on Sunday.
On Saturday the TriAthy Triathlon will result in a large number of road closures from 8:30am to 3pm and large crowds of spectators are anticipated.
In Co. Meath delays can be expected through Ratoath, on the N2/Ashbourne Rd and the M3 approaching Fairyhouse where the Tattersalls International Horse Trials and County Fair takes place from Thursday 30th May until Sunday 2nd June.
And on Monday the activities continue with the Cork City Marathon departing from Patrick St at 9am. As there will be extensive road closures motorists are urged to use the North and South Ring Roads, which will give access to most parts. Anyone attending the event should avail of the Park and Ride service at Black Ash running from the Kinsale Rd into the city centre.
In Dublin the Women’s Mini Marathon will take place from 2pm starting out from Fitzwilliam St Upr. This is one of the biggest annual events in Dublin and major road closures will operate as a result.
‘The June Bank Holiday weekend should be an enjoyable one for all. However, it is essential that everyone attending these or any events remember to never, ever drink and drive. Do not attempt to get behind the wheel the day after drinking unless you are certain you are not over the limit’ says Aoife. ‘It’s also important to heed your speed over the weekend as Operation Slow Down running from Friday to Saturday will see Gardaí focusing on speed across the country.’
