The Easter celebrations kick off today, with unsettled weather forecast and the usual holiday weekend traffic mayhem looms on the horizon.
Tomorrow sees all drinking holes shut, so stock up. Meanwhile for those who have resisted chocolate and goodies for lent - only three more days to go.
Needless to say - traffic will be chaotic. To prevent traffic casualties, road-side tea breaks have been organised by the National Safety Council (NSC) on most national routes over the Easter holiday weekend.
To encourage motorists on long journeys to take regular breaks, the NSC is operating Driver Revivers Stopsin safe places where motorists can stop for a rest. And if they present their car keys, they will get a free cup of Lyons teas. The tea-stops will operate in selected Statoil service stations on Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Bus Éireann expects to carry up to 100,000 passengers over the holiday period as people escape from urban centres to enjoy the spring break. Extra passengers today will be accommodated by the addition of many Friday services.
Over the weekend normal services will operate - though there may be alterations to local services, and some Sunday services catering for returning weekend travellers will be cancelled. Easter Monday will follow a Sunday schedule, with extra services for people returning from their long weekend getaway (Information at 01-836611 or www.buseireann.ie).
Meanwhile Iarnród Éireann is all geared up for 200,000 passengers and has organised a special timetable.
Dublin city travellers be warned - this weekend sees the start of the €20 million project to replace the East Wall Road Bridge. For commuters this means the rail line between Connelly Station and Clontarf Road will be closed from Good Friday (11 a.m.) to Easter Monday (4.30 p.m.). Passengers are advised to contact Iarnród Éireann for information on alternative arrangements. (Telephone 1850 366222 or check www.irishrail.ie).
Remember alsot that this weekend sees the clocks moving forwardinto summer time. Easter Sunday marks the end of winter and clocks/watches should be put forward an hour at 1 a.m. on Sunday night/Monday morning.
Tonight sees the beginning of the Féile 2002 - and Galway city will once more embrace the arts. Running until Easter Sunday, the Irish language arts festival’s programme is package with cultural delights including music, drama, film and an arts exhibition. And those with little or no Irish have been reassured they will not feel left out of all the entertainment. (www.feile2002.com)
The Fairyhouse Races return this year after the event’s cancellation due to the foot-and-mouth crisis. Kicking off on Easter Sunday and running until Wednesday, April 3rd. Races on Easter Sunday are between 2.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. On Easter Monday the races run between 2.05 p.m. and 5.40 p.m. While Tuesday races are between 2.15 p.m. and 5.55 p.m., and Wednesday races are between 2.30 p.m. and 5.30 p.m.
Bus Éireann will run a special bus service to Fairyhouse Races on Easter Sunday which will depart Busaras 90 minutes the first race begins and returns to Dublin when the meeting ends.
As for the weather this Easter session, well, today may boast moderate to warm temperatures and sunny skies, cold spells are forecast to return this evening - along with the odd covering of mist and foggy patches before dawn.
Good Friday promises a bright dry start, and even some hazy sunshine. But unsettled weather threats Easter weekend spirits, with clouds and showers developing tomorrow afternoon in Southern areas.
Met Éireann’s forecast for the next three days stays on the "unsettled vein" - though hope comes with prevalence of clear and sunny spells over the weekend. Saturday should be dry in the morning though clouds and rain are expected to spread over the country towards the evening. Easter Sunday and Monday promise more of the same - dull, rain and winds.