More than 250,000 people are expected to descend on Ireland’s northwest tomorrow for the beginning of the World Rally Championship.
The rally, one of a series of contests around the world, kicks off in Enniskillen at 7.30pm with a ceremonial start before competition proper begins the following morning in Cavan.
The world’s best rally drivers will battle it out in the Championship’s first round through 19 stages across Sligo, Mayo, Roscommon, Leitrim, Donegal, Tyrone and Fermanagh.
For the first time in nearly 30 years, the beginning of the rally is being held outside Monte Carlo, the traditional starting point for each World Rally season.
Gardaí and AA roadwatch are advising motorists to plan their journey in advance and expect delays.
A number of road closures will be in place for the event. In Sligo town, Duck Street/Ash Lane will be controlled as required by gardaí from 6am to 8pm starting today with no parking on this road. Clarion Road in the town will be closed from 6am tomorrow until Sunday.
On Friday, local road closures will be in place around Glenboy, Co Leitrim, Cavan Town, Murley, Co Tyrone and Fardross, Co Tyrone. Saturday will see road closures in Sloughan Glen, Co Tyrone and Ballinamallard, Co Fermanagh, while closures will be in place in Donegal town and Arigna, Co Sligo on Sunday.
In 2007 the rally attracted in the region of 250,000 spectators, generating €48 million in economic benefit to the Northwest.