merrion street

This weekend, thousands of people will descend on the village of Stradbally, Co. Laois for the Electric Picnic Music festival, which takes place from 2-4 September 2011. A full house is also expected in Croke Park this Sunday as the final of the All Ireland Hurling Championship takes place between Tipperary and Kilkenny. Across Ireland, many other festivals and evening and outdoor events will also take place this weekend, which may bring with them road closures, diversions and parking restrictions in some instances.

Speaking today, Minister with responsibility for Public and Commuter Transport, Alan Kelly TD said; “ The Electric Music festival is one of the biggest outdoor music events to take place this summer and will be attended by thousands of music-lovers, families and children this weekend. Stradbally, located about 90km from Dublin is accessible from the M7 motorway and commuters are advised to follow the signs for Stradbally Hall. Bus Eireann is also operating special services to the venue, further details are available on their website. Many thousands of sports fans will also make the journey to Dublin this weekend for what is expected to be a thrilling Championship Hurling Final and Irish Rail will operate special services for this event. I would encourage supporters in my own county to use the special trains put by Irish Rail.

Advice to anyone travelling to a major event this weekend, whether it be a festival or a major sporting occasion, is to leave the car at home if you can, and use public transport if possible; it makes practical sense, financial sense and takes the hassle out of travelling, parking and getting to and from a venue quickly, particularly where large numbers of people are gathering.”

Other events taking place across Ireland this weekend include the Waterford Harvest Festival which takes place in Waterford city from 3-11 September, Dublin Festival Season (taking place from 1 September-31 October) which begins this weekend, the Dingle Marathon which takes place around the Dingle peninsula from 3 September, the Monaghan Rhythm and Roots music festival which takes place in Monaghan town from 2-4 September, the Westport Food Festival from 2-4 September, the Cape Clear International Storytelling Festival in Cork from 1-4 September and not least of all the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival takes place in Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare which also begins on 1 September.

Minister Kelly concluded; “The wide range of events and festivals taking place across Ireland this weekend is welcome news for music fans, sports fans, for local businesses, the general public, tourists and visitors. Public transport is the fastest method of moving large numbers of people quickly and effectively to major events and I urge everyone to consider using public transport for part of, if not all of your journey this weekend. It’s better on your pocket and a cost-effective and hassle-free way to get to your destination. “