This August sees the first Papal visit to Ireland since 1979, when Pope John Paul II touched down on Irish shores.
Whether you’re heading to Knock or Dublin’s Phoenix Park for Pope Francis’ visit on August 25th/26th, here’s all the information you need to know; including public transport schedules and no entry zones.
“Every bus, train and tram is being used for this event and for the safety of the travelling public if you have a ticket for the Phoenix Park, you will be allowed to travel for free within Dublin on the day of the event.” Tim Gaston Director of Public Transport Services said.
Iarnrod Éireann, Dublin Bus, Luas, Bus Éireann and Go-Ahead will be putting on extra buses from early morning, specifically for people coming from outside of Dublin.
Gardai are urging ticket holders to leave the car at home and use public transport, but are making people aware that they should be prepared to walk for some sections of the journey.
“This is the largest event Ireland has organised in nearly 40 years,” Garda Superintendent Thomas Murphy said in a statement.
“It simply will not be possible to accommodate all the people who have indicated they want to travel by car to the Mass.
“Therefore we are urging people to go by train, bus, coach or Luas to this event. While walking is inevitable, you will be minimising your walk to and from the event by taking public transport or private coaches. ”
There will be free travel on all public transport within Dublin for Sunday 26 August, with Bus Eireann operating a weekday schedule for the weekend.
Dublin bus have created 7 hubs close to the phoenix park to get people as close as possible before walking to the event. There will also be park and ride hubs for people taking public transport, these are located at Leopardstown Racecourse (Luas), UCD Belfield (Dublin Bus), Maynooth University (train) and Fairyhouse Racecourse (train).
For those not travelling to the event, they are advised to familiarise themselves with road closures across the city for the day.
There will be a secure area around Dublin, starting at the M50 from 6am to 11pm on Sunday 26 August.
There will be diversions and road closures across the whole city during the weekend.
From 6pm on Saturday the centre of Knock Village will be closed (except to residents). The N17 between Charlestown and Claremorris will be closed from 12 midnight on Saturday until at least 3pm on Sunday.
Coaches going to Knock on Saturday the 25th will be parking on the N17, leaving people as close as possible to the event.
More details and information are emerging as the Papal visit draws closer, and you can see regular updates here