No room at the airport as festive fliers jet in

Thousands of people are on the move today as seasonal travellers make their way home and abroad for Christmas.

Cork, Shannon and Dublin airports will all see thousands passing through their doors, with Dublin is gearing up for its busiest Christmas ever.

Almost 800,000 passengers expected to pass through the airport between today and January 5th. This would be a 7 per cent increase on last year's figures.

More than 75,000 people will pass through Cork Airport during the Christmas period, with more than 85,000 passengers using Shannon Airport.

Today is expected to be the busiest day in Dublin Airport before Christmas, as 67,000 passengers are expected to pass through. December 30th is also expected to be a peak day, with 65,000 passengers scheduled to travel.

Dublin Airport will be closed on Christmas Day, with normal services resuming on St Stephen's Day.

Passengers travelling outside Ireland are advised not to wrap Christmas presents as they may be required to open them for security. Travellers are also advised to allow extra time to get to the airport in case of road congestion.

Travel services throughout the country are also expected to be busy. Iarnród Éireann expects up to 400,000 passengers to use its Intercity services over the Christmas period, while Bus Éireann predicts that its passenger numbers will reach up to 200,000 between Christmas Eve and January 3rd.

The rail company has put on extra trains at key times; however many services will finish early on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, with Dart and commuter services operating normally up to 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Special timetables will be in operation starting today and until January 3rd.

Bus Éireann has warned that some of its services will be affected by the holiday season, with Eurolines cross-channel services cancelled on Christmas Eve, no Bus Éireannn services operating on Christmas Day and limited services available on December 26th.

AA Roadwatch is warning that conditions across the country are wet and windy today, with traffic expected to be busy throughout major towns and cities and on national routes.

Motorists are advised to set out early on journeys and take extra care on the roads. Wintry conditions are expected to spread across the country from tonight until St Stephen's Day.