Dublin Airport has issued a warning for travellers ahead of St Patrick's Day, as it's expected that 432,000 people will pass through the travel hub over the coming week.
Members of the Irish diaspora from across the world will be returning to the capital, as well as thousands of England rugby fans who are hoping to avoid a second drubbing in two weeks at the Aviva Stadium.
With St Patrick's Day falling on a Friday, bigger numbers than normal are expected to head to Dublin to make the most of the national holiday.
As a result, Dublin Airport has advised passengers travelling on short-haul flights to arrive at the airport two hours before their flight and three hours prior to a long-haul flight.
Passengers checking in a bag with their airline should allow up to an additional one hour.
In order to ensure the smoothest journey possible, passengers should prepare for security in advance and make their way directly to the security screening area once checked in.
To help prepare for the security screening process, passengers should visit the Security page on the Dublin Airport website.
EU security regulations forbid the carrying of liquids over 100mls in hand luggage, with those under that amount needing to be placed in a single transparent, re-sealable bag.
Passengers are advised to check which terminal their flight is departing from prior to arriving in the airport.
The airport has teamed up with Failte Ireland to lay on an "Irish welcome" with a number of Irish dancing groups set to entertain passengers at arrivals.
WA dedicated team of Failte Ireland ‘Meeters and Greeters’ will be in Dublin Airport’s Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 arrivals halls, providing a friendly face and a wealth of knowledge to guide passengers on their way to the festivities.
The airport is also sponsoring a number of live music, bands, street theatre, interactive games, circus and science shows, talks and film screenings in the city centre.
Anyone planning a last minute trip to the Irish capital for St Patrick's day may want to think again.
An Irish senator has blasted hotels in the city for "exorbitant" hotel prices over the weekend that he said are creating a "very negative image" of Ireland and its tourism industry.
Clare Senator Timmy Dooley was speaking on Newstalk Breakfast after claims of price gouging in the run up to St Patrick's Day weekend, with some hotels charging up to €2,400 for single rooms, the Irish Daily Mirror reported.
He said: "It sends a really negative signal to people coming to stay in Dublin."
He stressed that on Friday night, one room in a 5 star hotel would cost around £1,000, with one relatively budget guest house charging close to £800 for a room.
