People take to the roads for weekend away

Trains, buses and roads are expected to be crowded over the bank holiday weekend as people take advantage of the last holiday…

Trains, buses and roads are expected to be crowded over the bank holiday weekend as people take advantage of the last holiday before winter to get away.

Iarnrod Éireann predicts that up to 250,000 passengers will use their services over the weekend, with the Dublin to Cork route being especially busy due to the Cork Jazz Festival.

The 17.10 and 19.30 to Cork from Heuston Station this evening are booked out and their is only limited availability on the 20.30 and 21.00 services. On Saturday there are still a limited seats available on the 08.20, 08.30, 10.50 and 13.20 services from Dublin to Cork.

Bus Éireann is predicting long delays on major routes. On Saturday, services will operate to normal weekday timetables, with additional buses as required on all major routes. Sunday services will be the same as normal and Monday services will operate as Sunday service.

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Met Éireann says Saturday will see the risk of the odd shower but most areas will be dry with bright and sunny periods. Highest temperatures will be around 14°C.

People planning on walking home from the pub on Saturday night would be wise to dress warmly and know where they are going as it will be chilly and there is a likelihood of mist or fog.

Sunday looks set to be the nicest day of the three with only light winds and largely fine over the whole country.

Monday will be generally dry for a time with sunny spells, but an area of rain looks set to move into northern areas accompanied by a freshening southwesterly wind.

The Belfast Festival is in full swing over the weekend with a large number and variety of events including Girl On A Motorcyclea celebration of the work of Jack Cardiff at which Marianne Faithfull will be present (a full list of events is available at ( www.belfastfestival.com).

Jazz Festival highlights include The Kenny Garrett Quarteton Saturday and Johnny Griffin and his All Star Quarteton Sunday (complete festival timetable of events is available at ( www.corkjazzfestival.com).