We can’t believe that it’s all over!
The Olympic Games officially came to an end on Sunday night with a dramatic closing ceremony.
Ireland made history with its most successful Games ever. We walked away with an incredible seven medals – four gold and three bronze.
For the first time ever, Ireland’s sporting heroes will be welcomed home with thousands of fans eager to show their support in person.
If you’re heading to the homecoming today, here’s what you need to know…
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When is the homecoming?
The event marks the first time Team Ireland have received a civic reception on their return home.
It will happen on Monday at 12:30pm.
It is not a ticketed event so everyone is welcome.
Where is the event taking place?
The homecoming will take place outside the GPO on O’Connell Street in the heart of Dublin City.
An accessibility viewing platform located close to the stage to support viewing is available for those with mobility issues.
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What time will Team Ireland arrive at?
Team Ireland are expected to arrive around 1:30pm.
They will go straight from Dublin Airport to the event.
Dublin Airport tweeted: “Upon arrival at @DublinAirport, the athletes will head directly into Dublin city centre for the official homecoming event. Those hoping to see the athletes should go to the city centre & NOT to the airport.”
What athletes will be in attendance?
Ireland sent 133 athletes to the Paris Olympics. Understandably they won’t all be on O’Connell Street.
Our six medal winners will however, be there.
Swimmers Daniel Wiffen, Mona McSharry, rowers Daire Lynch, Philip Doyle, Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy, gymnast Rhys McClenaghan and boxer Kellie Harrington will be at the homecoming.
Our incredible women 4x400m relay team will also be in attendance including Rhasidat Adeleke, Phil Healy, Sophie Becker and Sharlene Mawdsley who set a new national record during the final. However, it was a heartbreaking 4th place for the women.
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What else is on?
Kellie Harrington will receive her own local homecoming event on Monday evening.
She will head back to her family home on Portland Row.
This special homecoming will take place between 7pm and 9pm, as she will walk from the corner of Dublin’s Gardiner St, up Séan McDermott Street and onto Killarney Street.
The Olympic boxer will be accompanied by the Dublin Fire Brigade Pipe Band and singer Gemma Dunleavy.
A homecoming will be held at Cork County Hall later to celebrate the Skibbereen rowers Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy for securing a second gold medal at the Games. This event will also celebrate the achievements of Bandon athlete Phil Healy in the 4x400m relay.
What roads are closed?
O’Connell Street and Killarney Street in Dublin 1 will be closed to traffic from 10am until 10pm on Monday. There will be no parking on Sean McDermott Street.
How does this affect public transport?
There will be a lot of changes to accommodate the event.
Luas Green Line services will be suspended between Dominic and St. Stephen’s Green Luas Stops from 9.30am until 10pm to facilitate the event.
Luas Green Line services will run between Broombridge and Dominic Luas Stops, and from St. Stephen’s Green to Brides Glen Luas Stops only during this time.
The Luas Red Line services will be suspended between Smithfield and The Point stops from 9.30am until 10pm. Valid Luas tickets will be accepted on Dublin Bus!
As for Dublin Bus, they will be diverted from O’Connell Street from 10am, they will re-commence on the north side of the street at 5pm and on the south side of the street at 10pm.
Take a look at the Gardaí notice:
- A road closure on O’Connell Street from 10:30am to 17:30pm will be in operation today.
- A single lane will remain open on O’Connell Street from 5:00am to 10:30am and from 17:30pm to 22:30pm.
- The LUAS Green line will be closed on O’Connell Street from 10:30am today.
- The LUAS Red line will be closed from Abbey Street to Jervis Street from 10:30am today.
- Northbound Traffic: Diverted onto Eden Quay – Gardiner Street Lower – Parnell Street
- Southbound Traffic: Diverted off O’Connell Street onto Cathal Brugha Street. Option to turn onto Marlborough Street or Gardiner Street Lower and onto Eden Quay.
- Access to Arnott’s car park is limited during today’s event.
