AN estimated 350,000 tourists and rugby fans will scrum their way through Dublin Airport this Bank Holiday Weekend.
Officials are gearing up for one of the busiest weekends of the calendar year, with tens of thousands expected in town for the St Brigid’s bank holiday.
The first long weekend of 2025 kicks off with the Six Nations visit of the old enemy at a sold-out Aviva Stadium, with England fans set to descend on the capital.
The Dublin Racing festival is also completely sold out with a warning from organisers that all boxes and suites are nearly gone.
They said: “All private suites, hospitality, premium level areas and The Real Deal are sold out for Day 1. Only general admission is available to purchase.”
And the Dublin City Celebrating Women initiative returns for its fourth edition this weekend with over 80 events across the city.
Ballsbridge will see thousands of rugby fans from early doors before the Six Nations clash kicks off at 4.45pm.
Sarah Ryan, Director of Communications at daa, explained how the airport was prepared for a massive few days.
She said: “It’s going to be a busy weekend in both the departures and arrivals halls at Dublin Airport.
“We’re expecting several thousand England rugby fans to arrive in for the big rugby game on Saturday evening in Aviva Stadium and they’ll be joined by thousands of tourists from around the world who are visiting Ireland for a winter break.
“Events and festivals are a big driver of inward tourism these days and the addition of the St Brigid’s bank holiday weekend and the accompanying festival of events around the country is proving to be a popular reason to visit Ireland at what was previously a quiet time of year.
“A lot of Ireland-based travellers will also avail of the long weekend to get away for a city break, some winter sun or to visit loved ones overseas.”
She added: “Events and festivals are a big driver of inward tourism these days and the addition of the St Brigid’s bank holiday weekend and the accompanying festival of events around the country is proving to be a popular reason to visit Ireland at what was previously a quiet time of year.
“A lot of Ireland-based travellers will also avail of the long weekend to get away for a city break, some winter sun or to visit loved ones overseas.”
Sarah said an average of 85,000 passengers will go through the two terminals each day this weekend.
She added: “Top tips for the coming weekend include preparing in advance for security, with all liquids in hand luggage being 100mls or under and enclosed in a clear plastic bag.
“Passengers should also plan how they are getting to and from the airport.
“Demand for our car parks is high, but we do have spaces available and passengers should book in advance online to ensure a space and to get the best price available.”
With thousands of passengers flocking to and from the airport, people are urged to avail of public transport.
She continued: “They could join the almost one-third of passengers who now travel to the airport by bus via one of the 1,070 daily bus connections now operating here every single day, including the new 24-hour number 19 route.”
The new 19 bus route, which runs between the airport and the city centre, travels through the busy suburbs of Ballymun and Drumcondra.
The 24-hour route will depart the airport 66 times per day between Monday and Friday, 58 times per day on Saturdays and 57 times per day on Sundays.
