MORE than half a million people will be travelling this weekend to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis on his visit to Ireland.
Gardaí are urging people to use public transport.
Park-and-ride hubs are in place at the University College Dublin campus in Belfield, Leopardstown Racecourse, Fairyhouse Racecourse in Co Meath and Maynooth University in Co Kildare.
A dedicated helpline - 003531-222-888 - is available for information on road closures.
DUBLIN
:: Roads
Most roads will be closed in Dublin city centre today and tomorrow.
Closures are in place between 6am and 7pm today from Patrick Street and Dawson Street to Cathal Brugha Street, Sean McDermott Street and King's Street North.
College Green and part of Nassau Street will be closed along with all streets leading on to O'Connell Street.
Lord Edward Street to Georges Street junction is closed between 10am and 1pm and North Quays, South Quays, Dame Street, O'Connell Street and Church Street will be shut from 1pm-6pm.
There will also be rolling traffic restrictions today as the Pope visits a number of locations and travels from the Pro Cathedral to the Capuchin Day Centre.
Cyclists will be allowed in and through the area around Dublin city centre and Phoenix Park.
Three designated cycle hubs - at DIT Grangegorman Campus, Scoil Bhride (Cailini), Blanchardstown and Amphitheatre at Dublin Civic Offices on Wood Quay - are available with capacity for 2,000 bikes.
Cyclists will not be allowed to travel tomorrow along the designated walking routes from transports hubs to Phoenix Park.
:: Bus/rail
A normal weekday service will be in operation from Bus Eireann to bring people to Dublin. Special Expressway services will operate from 10 destinations nationwide to Dublin with customers advised to book in advance.
Dublin Bus has created seven dedicated "transport hubs" near the gates of Phoenix Park.
It will operate a normal Saturday service, but there will be significant diversions.
Follow Dublin Bus on Twitter at dublinbusnews or its customer service line on 00353 1873 4222 from 8.30am-6pm today.
Irish Rail has warned those attending the papal Mass that its routes to Dublin are almost sold out.
The closest train stations to Phoenix Park are Heuston, Ashtown and Navan Road Parkway stations.
Advance booking for all services to Dublin and Knock tomorrow is mandatory.
Holders of tickets to Sunday's papal Mass travelling within the Short Hop Zone can avail of free public transport.
Luas services will also operate on a six to 10-minute frequency and travel will be free tomorrow for papal Mass ticket-holders.
There will be disruption to the Red and Green Line over the two days. For information, please visit www.luas.ie/
KNOCK
Knock pilgrims are being urged to arrive as early as 4am tomorrow.
There will be a number of road closures in Co Mayo and those attending are being encouraged to travel by bus, private coach or in car pools.
A shuttle bus service will operate from Claremorris train station to the shrine, which is free for those with tickets for the event.
