Seasonal and sporting events this weekend see a wide variety of events and entertainment on offer.
The title of the Toys 4 Big Boys event in the RDS gives some hint as to the target market for the third annual showcasing of the latest in gadgets and gizmos. More than 30,000 technology lovers and present hunters are expected.
There is only parking for some 2,000 cars on Merrion, Simmonscourt and Anglesea Roads but there are drop off points for taxis and coaches.
Relief from gadgetry is available on the ice at the 7UP Christmas on Ice event , also at the RDS, until January 9th.
Ice-skating fans on Dublin's northside are also catered for with the return of Smithfield on Ice today. The rink will cater for over 3,000 visitors daily and parking is available in Statoil Ushers Island, Thomas Street, Ilac Centre, Jervis Centre and Parnell Street. The Luas stops 100 metres from the Smithfield entrance.
If watching others ice-skate is more your idea of a good time, catch Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Slinky Dog and Co. at Disney on Ice in the Point Theatre, Dublin until December 5th. Expect delays shortly before and after each performance along the North Quays, South Quays and East Wall Rd.
Sporting fans can look forward to Ireland taking on Argentina at Landsdowne Road tomorrow at 5.30pm. Leinster play Glasgow tonight in the Celtic League in Donnybrook at 7.30 p.m. and Connacht host the Gwent Dragons on Sunday afternoon at the Sportsground in Galway. Racing is at Fairyhouse on Saturday and Sunday.
Routes worth avoiding this weekend include the N7 at the Rathcoole Interchange where, due to severe damage to the bridge, traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions from 10pm this evening until Monday morning.
Long delays are expected and drivers are being asked to allows extra time for journeys or take an alternative route. The bridge will close completely to all traffic including pedestrians from Monday until early January. Roadworks are also in place on the N6 at Moate and on the Athlone Bypass.
Met Eireann forecasts cold weather for much of the weekend with a danger of sharp to severe frost and icy roads. Their advice is to wrap up well and drive carefully.