Met Éireann has predicted lots of sunshine amidst occasional rain showers for the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend, which is expected to draw large crowds to several events. The mercury is anticipated to hit highs of 20 degrees on Saturday, though scattered rain showers are also on the radar.
The Bray Air Display in Co Wicklow is likely to dodge the worst of the predicted rainfall. Organisers are preparing for an 80,000-strong crowd, who will be treated to performances from the Royal Jordanian Air Force and aerobatic pilot Dr Eddie Goggins. Spectators are expected to soak up the aerial spectacle from sites ranging from Killiney Hill, Bray Head, to Howth Head.
Meanwhile, wet weather could cast a dampener on Cork Pride’s Party at the Port, where singer Bambie Thug is set to headline. Despite the likelihood of showers, music enthusiasts can look forward to performances from J90 and DJ Ruth from 2pm onwards, with no entrance fees.
The All Together Now Festival at Curraghmore Estate, Waterford, is also on the agenda, and attendees are hopeful that the rain showers will be brief. The lineup includes The Prodigy, Jorja Smith, Róisín Murphy, Barry Can’t Swim, and The Mary Wallopers.
Simultaneously, the Ride the Classic Sportif cycling event will be happening in Galway on Saturday, leading into Sunday’s Galway Classic Road race.
Given the significant movement of people, law enforcement has urged drivers to exercise extra precaution on the roads. Authorities have implemented road checks to curb reckless driving, including speeding, as part of their Bank Holiday road safety campaign.
Met Éireann announced that expected rainfall on Sunday could potentially lead to localised flooding, with heavier showers expected to hit the west in the late morning and moving on to Ulster and northern parts of Leinster in the afternoon. The wider forecast indicates consistent, and occasionally intense, rain moving eastward on bank holiday Monday, before subsiding from western regions later in the afternoon. With temperatures predicted to be between 18 and 22 degrees, the southerly winds will be moderate to brisk, before diminishing and shifting to a westerly direction as the rain clears.
For those opting to escape the dull summer weather and intending to travel abroad for the weekend, note that three car parks at Dublin Airport – Express Red Long Term, Holiday Blue and short term at Terminal One – are fully occupied. However, the airport management indicated that spaces will be available at Terminal Two short term parking on Saturday.
According to Graeme Mulqueen of DAA, the airport is anticipating its busiest weekend to date, with estimates of up to 120,000 people passing through daily. Despite full car parks, Mulqueen states that most travellers would have reserved their parking in advance. Those who have failed to do so should perhaps contemplate using public transportation or arrange to be dropped off. While it’s set to be chaotic, Mulqueen reassures that no major issues are foreseen.