Cities and towns across Ireland have been gearing up for European Car Free Day, "In town, without my car!", taking place this Saturday.
Ten urban centres across the State are restricting traffic for the event, which first took place in France and Italy in 1997.
Dublin Corporation had faced much criticism last month after announcing that only a short stretch along the quays in front of the Customs House would be car free.
However, the corporation has since included Merrion Square West as a traffic restricted area. The quay area will be closed from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Merrion Square West will be closed from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Both Cork and Galway city are closing the majority of their central streets. However, Galway's will be a voluntary restricted zone. "We prefer to do it on a voluntary basis to get more public support for the event. We will have staffed barriers but if people insist on getting through they will be allowed," said a spokesman for Galway Corporation.
In Cork, the area being closed to traffic is bounded by Grattan Street, Washington Street, Grand Parade, South Mall, Parnell Place, Merchant's Quay, Lavitt's Quay and Kyrl's Quay.
In Galway, streets between Eyre Square through Merchants Road and to the Salmon Weir Bridge will be closed from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Limerick and Waterford cities are both closing certain streets in the main city areas, but traffic will still be able to negotiate the cities.