THE arrival of the huge aircraft carrier, USS John F Kennedy, with its crew of over 5,000 to its mooring 11/2 miles off Dun Laoghaire Harbour at 6 this morning begins Dun Laoghaire's "American Week".
There will be free entertainment, ranging from traditional music to children's entertainment and fireworks. There will also be helicopter and boat rides.
Specific American activities will include country rock with Cousin Vinny, jazz and blues with Ben Prevo and friends, a display of classic American cars and Harley Davidson motorbikes, and line dancing.
There will also be trips to see the ship, but for ticket holders only. However, because many were unable to get tickets, some of the carrier's fighter aircraft will be on display in Dublin Airport during the week.
There will be traffic and parking restrictions in Dun Laoghaire and motorists are advised to avoid the area. Iarnrod Eireann has announced increased capacity on off peak DART trains and late night trains on Thursday for families watching the fireworks display. The trains will leave Dun Laoghaire after the display at 12.15 am and 12.30a.m. Family return tickets cost £5.
The Stop the Warship Campaign will hold a march and rally in Dun Laoghaire today. The group objects to the warship's presence on the grounds that it prejudices Ireland's neutrality.
The Workers' Party has called for a boycott of the visit, which it also says prejudices Irish neutrality.