A huge security operation will be in place in the Co Meath village of Slane this weekend as 60,000 people descend for the annual rock gig.
This year’s headliners are the platinum-selling Welsh popsters, Stereophonics. Last year, over 200,000 people paid to see U2 performing at Lord Henry Mount Charles’ castle.
Gardaí have committed huge public resources to policing the event.
They will be closing off the village to traffic from Friday night until the early hours of Sunday morning. Traffic diversions will be in place along the N2 at Ardee and Kilmoon Cross.
There will also be restrictions in place along the Kells Road and the Navan Road. The public are therefore being encouraged to use public transport if possible. Dublin Bus and Iarnród Éireann are both laying on special services for the weekend.
Only ticket holders and residents will be allowed beyond the Garda barriers. Concert-goers are warned not to buy tickets from touts, as they will not be admitted.
The Gardaí have reiterated their annual warning to members of the public of the dangers of trying to cross the River Boyne, where fatalities have occurred in previous years.
They have also advised punters that camping in the Slane area is not allowed over the weekend.
Stereophonics will be joined by such rock’n’roll luminaries as Nickelback, The Charlatans Counting Crows, Ocean Colour Scene, Doves and Irish band the Revs. Tickets for the show are €49.50.