Nearly 500,000 passengers are expected to pass through Ireland’s two busiest airports over the St Patrick’s weekend.
Dublin Airport reckons in total 432,000 jet setters will either depart or arrive between March 16 and March 20.
The daa believes 220,000 will take advantage of the long weekend and take a trip abroad while 212,000 will fly here to watch the St Patrick’s Day parade or watch Ireland take on England in their Six Nations clash on Saturday.
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A number of Irish dancing groups will be there to entertain passengers in arrivals - while Failte Ireland will place a number of “meeters and greeters” in the airport to provide advice on the festivities to tourists.
In addition, Dublin Airport will also support a host of activities in the city centre on St Patrick's Day including live music, bands, street theatre, interactive games, circus and science shows, talks, and film screenings.
The theme of this year’s festival celebrations is ‘ONE’, conveying a message of unity and welcome.
While Shannon Airport reckons 30,000 will pass through which is a 24% increase from last year.
CEO of the Shannon Airport Group Mary Considine said: “Our passenger forecast over the St. Patrick’s period is a positive start to what is hoped to be a strong and busy summer season. We are seeing strong recovery due to pent-up demand for travel.
“The St. Patrick’s Day holiday period signifies the start of the summer season at the airport, as people arrive and depart for what is often their first trip of the year.
“The bank holiday also coincides with the annual Cheltenham racing festival, so we are prepared for a busy week.”
She added: “This year, we have 33 services on our Summer Schedule, and look forward to not only seeing passengers from across the country off on their travels but also welcoming visitors from Europe, the UK, USA, and beyond, into the region.
“Our team here are ready to ensure all our passengers receive a warm Shannon welcome and will be doing all in their power to ensure their journey through the airport is as easy and comfortable as possible.
“Thanks to the introduction of the latest security screening technology at Shannon, our staff will have the pleasure of telling passengers not to remove their liquids and gels from their cabin bags!
“This time-saving initiative is cutting the passenger time going through security screening by half.
“We would like to wish everyone a Céad Míle Fáilte this St. Patrick’s Day.”
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