MORE THAN 280,000 passengers are expected to travel through Dublin Airport this weekend, writes Fiona Gartland.
Over 2,000 flights will arrive and depart, including 130 charters for holidaymakers going skiing or searching for the sun over the Easter holidays, the Dublin airport Authority (DAA) has said.
The figures show an increase of 7 per cent on the same period last year. A spokeswoman for the DAA said that the most popular sunshine destinations were Lanzarote, Tenerife and Fuertaventura.
Those of us who stay behind can expect a somewhat chilly experience. March has not lived up to its reputation for many weathers so far, offering only its cool version for both the St Patrick's Day parade at the beginning of the week and the Easter parade in Dublin tomorrow.
Today's temperatures are not expected to rise to more than 8C, with some places experiencing heavy, wintry showers with thunder, Met Éireann has said.
Tonight will be very cold with a spell of rain or sleet and a strong north-west wind. The sleet may turn to snow in places, especially over high ground in the north.
Egg-hunters on Easter Sunday can expect more chilly temperatures, along with a blustery wind, bright spells and scattered showers.
A ground frost on Sunday night should not linger long enough to interfere with the runners in the Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse. However, rain spreading from the west may dampen the spirits of punters.
AA Roadwatch has warned of delays through Ratoath and on the N3 Navan road on all four days of the Fairyhouse racing festival, particularly on Monday, when the largest crowd of 18,000 is expected.
The Easter parade, which starts at 11.45am tomorrow, will result in traffic diversions in the capital. O'Connell Street will be closed from 5am to 6pm.
Drivers should also be aware of possible delays on roads in south Kerry during the Rás Mumhan International Cycle Race. The race finishes on Monday.
Other events likely to affect traffic include the Circuit of Ireland Bicycle Ride and horseracing at Mallow in Co Cork.