Gardai and AA Roadwatch have warned people heading for the National Ploughing Championships in Ferns, Co Wexford, from tomorrow to expect major traffic delays and allow plenty of time for journeys.
With up to 150,000 people expected to attend rural Ireland's biggest festival over the next three days, those not going to the event are advised to avoid the Ferns-Enniscorthy area if possible.
People planning to travel to the Rosslare Europort ferry terminal should take particular care over journey times as detours will be in place on the N11 at Gorey for southbound traffic, and Wexford for those heading north.
The site for the championships is just off the N11, on which a number of horrific traffic accidents have taken place in recent weeks. Enniscorthy-based Sgt Pat McDonald urged drivers to heed gardai on traffic duty in the area.
"We're saying: `Leave plenty of time for your journey, take it easy and enjoy your day out', " he said. The message was reiterated by Mr Trevor Keegan of AA Roadwatch, who said "big delays" could be expected.
Advance planning was also advised - months ago - for those planning to stay overnight in the Ferns/Enniscorthy area. Registered guesthouses near the event were booked out by early September and last week hotel rooms were being reserved 30 miles away.
The ploughing championships themselves are now almost a sideshow at an event which this year will feature more than 700 trade stands as well as pubs, restaurants, a crafts fair, shopping arcades and other attractions. Tomorrow's opening ceremony at noon will be performed by the President, Mrs McAleese. The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, is due to attend tomorrow afternoon.
Gardai say the following approach routes will apply: Munster and south Kilkenny traffic will take the N25 to New Ross, continue on the N25 before turning left on to the ring road and then on to the N30 to Enniscorthy, taking the N11 from Enniscorthy towards Ferns.
Rosslare and south Wexford traffic will take the N11 via Enniscorthy towards Ferns. Dublin and north Leinster traffic will take the N11 via Gorey and Camolin to Ferns. Midlands and north west traffic, except buses, will travel on the N80 from Carlow through Bunclody, turn left off the N80 at Clohamon meat factory and follow the Clohamon road to the site.
Buses from the midlands and north west will continue on the N80 to Ballycarney Cross and turn left for the site. Kilkenny and south Leinster traffic will take the R702 out of Kiltealy and turn on to the R745 through Ballindaggin to Ballycarney Cross, before crossing the N80 to the site.
The Garda has also advised exhibitors and businesses on the site. It says priority should be given to cash security and special attention paid to the passing of forged notes.
