Travel information for Louth people going to see the Pope this weekend
If you're heading to see Pope Francis this weekend we've got all of the practical information you need
If you're planning on heading up to the capital this weekend to see Pope Francis, we've got all of the travel details you'll need. Please note that you need to have a ticket to attend any of the official events this weekend.
What is the Pope’s itinerary?
Pope Francis will be in Ireland for just 36 hours in total but he has a packed schedule during his time here. He will arrive in Dublin Airport on Saturday, August 25, and will go first to Áras an Uachtaráin where he will meet with President Michael D Higgins at 11.30am.
The Pope will then travel to Dublin Castle where he will deliver a speech.
That afternoon he will visit St Mary’s Cathedral before going on a private visit to Day Centre for Homeless Families of the Capuchin Fathers.
On Saturday evening, he will attend the World Meeting of the Families event in Croke Park.
On Sunday morning he will visit Knock Shrine in the morning to say the Angelus on the square in front of the famous shrine. Afterward, he will travel back to Dublin and will arrive at the Phoenix Park for Holy Mass at 3pm.
What's the best way to travel from Dundalk to Dublin?
Matthews Bus are running services to the Croke Park event on Saturday evening and to the papal mass at 3pm on Sunday.
Places can be reserved on the Matthews Bus here: www.matthews.ie/dev/concerts
More information on the Papal Visit Bus services can be found here: www.matthews.ie/dev/latest-news/41/Travel-info-for-Papal-Visit
Iarnrod Eireann is running special trains this coming Sunday morning August 26 from Dundalk Clarke Station to Connolly Station, Dublin for the Papal Mass in the Phoenix Park. The first train will depart Dundalk at 06.36am with the last train returning from Connolly that evening will be at 23.23pm.
Special trains from Dundalk to Connolly Station will run at 6.36am; 07.50am; 08.52am; 09.55am; 10.55am.
Special trains from Connolly Station to Dundalk will run at 17.20pm; 18.07pm; 19.30pm; 19.55pm; 21.30pm; 23.23pm.
Please note that bicycles will not be allowed on all trains this Sunday.
Passengers are advised to check the journey planner for further details. www.journeyplanner.irishrail.ie
Customers are advised that Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Tralee services are now SOLD OUT. No tickets will be available at the station. Limited availability on all other routes, book now to avoid disappointment.
The Bus Eireann 100X service to Dublin will be affected over the weekend.
A notice on Bus Eireann's website said: "Route 100X: Dundalk - Drogheda - Airport - City Centre - Wilton Terrace. All services between 11:30 and 16:30 will operate normal route until Opposite Hilton Garden Inn on Custom House Quay and will then operate via the Matt Talbot Memorial Bridge, City Quay, Lombard Street East, Westland Row, Merrion Square North and continue to Fitzwilliam Street Lower before terminating at Wilton Terrace. Services resume normal routing from 17:30 from Dundalk. Note: There is no change to routing from Wilton Terrace to Dundalk."
People living in Dublin attending the Pope's visit have been advised to leave their cars at home and use public transport instead. If you have to drive you can check the AA Roadwatch's website. There will be 85 roads closed across Dublin over the weekend.
Are there any transport restrictions in Dublin?
With 85 roads closed across the capital over the weekend, there will be lots of restrictions in place. Your best bet is to leave the car at home and take public transport.
See AA Roadwatch's website for a comprehensive list of all the closures: www.theaa.ie/blog/pope-francis-ireland-2018/
More information can be found on Rail services operating within Dublin and to Knock on Ianroid Eireann's website: www.irishrail.ie/popes-mass-phoenix-park-train-services
Watching the Papal Mass in Dundalk
We received the following community notice:
"Many people would have liked to travel to the Phoenix Park this Sunday to join with Pope Francis celebrating Mass but for some it was not possible.
The Pastoral Centre (old Magnet) are having an informal gathering on Sunday to watch the mass from the Phoenix Park on a big screen in the pastoral centre.
Light refreshments will b served and it will b a chance to have a chat with your neighbours. Doors open at 2.30. All are welcome."