Here's what to expect from weather and travel this Easter weekend
Forecasts predict a wet and unsettled Easter weekend ahead. Picture: Yui Mok/PA Wire
The Easter bank holiday is often the first really busy one of the year with longer days and — usually — better weather, as people like to make good use of the long weekend.
With that in mind, here is what you need to know in terms of what to expect from the weather and public transport.
Unfortunately, the umbrella should be kept close at hand for the next few days as conditions are set to be as unsettled as they have been so far this week.
Good Friday will bring a mix of sunny spells and showers but be aware that some showers could turn heavy, with a chance of hail and isolated thunderstorms.
It will be a largely dry start to Saturday but blustery showers will spread north-eastwards across the country during the morning and afternoon. Some will turn heavy, with hail.
While Saturday night will bring clearer skies, further spells of rain will have arrived by morning.
Easter Sunday will stay cloudy with continued showers throughout the day and Monday will be an overall dull day with outbreaks of rain.
Those heading for a nice day out over the weekend or going visiting should be advised that many public transport operators will be running a revised timetable over the bank holiday weekend.
has said that many routes including the Dart and commuter routes will be operating a Saturday service on Good Friday.
Passengers travelling between Friday and Monday are advised to check timetables on the online journey planner before travelling.
As well as timetable changes, there are a number of major works happening over the weekend that will disrupt some services.
Dart services between Grand Canal Dock and Bray will be suspended, with Dublin Bus and Go Ahead accepting rail tickets on relevant services.
The Dublin Connolly to Rosslare Europort Intercity route will involve bus transfers between Dublin Connolly and Greystones.
All services will operate a Sunday schedule on Easter Sunday and Monday, including Expressway services.
Services will operate as normal on both Good Friday and Saturday.
For those travelling abroad for the long weekend, is expecting to see around 100,000 passengers flying in and out each day from Thursday to Monday.
Departing passengers are advised to arrive at their terminal two hours before a short-haul flight and three hours before a long-haul flight.
Those who are driving to the airport should be aware that spaces will be in high demand, with both long and short-term spaces set to be sold out from Friday until the middle of next week.
Where a space has not been pre-booked, Dublin Airport has recommended people plan to travel to the airport by bus, taxi, or get a lift.
At , 50,000 passengers are expected over Easter as the summer schedule begins this weekend.
Passengers flying out from Cork should arrive 90 minutes before their scheduled departure time and parking spaces should be booked in advance.
Whatever you have planned for the Easter weekend, people are being advised to be careful and plan ahead.
With 54 lives lost on Irish roads so far this year, road users are advised to take additional care as roads will be busy and wet weather may lead to some hazardous driving conditions.
"Research shows that bank holidays are worse for road traffic collisions, but that we can prevent this if we make responsible choices when using the roads," said minister of state for transport, Jack Chambers.
Gardaí will be out in force over the weekend in an effort to reduce harmful driving behaviours.
Drivers are reminded never to drink or drug drive and not to drive when tired.
Anyone planning to visit the coast or engage in water activities should also exercise caution, especially with the unsettled weather over the coming days.
It is important to let someone know your plans and when you expect to return, to have a means of communication, and to be aware of incoming tides.
"Over the course of five Easter holiday periods, 12 people drowned accidentally, mainly while swimming, angling, or after falling in while walking," said Water Safety Ireland's deputy CEO Roger Sweeney.
"To stay safe, keep cold-water swims brief and shallow, wear a lifejacket when angling on the shoreline or riverbanks, and stay away from the water's edge when out walking.
"With nearly 1m children on school holidays, and many visiting friends and family living on farms and near lakes, rivers, canals, and beaches, constant adult supervision is essential for their safety."
Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are.
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