Bank holiday travel disruption is expected across Dublin and parts of the country this weekend, with extensive road closures for the 2026 Dublin Marathon, public transport changes and engineering works on several Irish Rail routes.
More than 22,000 competitors are due to take part in the 45th running of the marathon, while Dublin Airport expects about 469,000 passengers during the bank holiday and midterm break. Anyone travelling by car, bus or train should check the latest operator updates before setting out.
Breaking News Ireland: What travellers need to know
The main disruption will affect Dublin on Sunday, when roads along the marathon route will close from approximately 3.30am until 5.30pm. Bus diversions will begin earlier in some parts of the city, while rail works will affect DART and intercity services throughout the long weekend.
- Road closures will affect Dublin city centre and southern suburbs on Sunday.
- Dublin Bus routes will be diverted or curtailed from Friday through Sunday.
- DART services will not run on two sections from Saturday to Monday.
- Several Limerick and Dublin-Galway rail journeys will use replacement buses.
- A short Luas Red Line closure is planned during the marathon.
- Dublin Airport is preparing for exceptionally high passenger numbers.
Dublin Marathon road closures and route
The marathon finishes at Merrion Square South, where preparations and restrictions begin on Friday. Closures will also affect Leeson Street Lower, Mount Street Crescent, Merrion Square East, Fitzwilliam Street and nearby roads at different times during the weekend.
The race begins at 8.40am on Sunday with wheelchair and cerebral palsy competitors. Staggered starts will continue until 9.45am, meaning restrictions will spread as runners move through the route.
Competitors will travel from the city centre through areas including:
- Cuffe Street and the area around St Patrick’s Cathedral
- High Street and the Four Courts
- Phoenix Park and Inchicore Road
- South Circular Road and Crumlin Road
- Bushy Park, Milltown and the UCD area
- Stillorgan Road, Merrion Road and Northumberland Road
Drivers should expect delays, restricted access and changed traffic patterns along the route. The safest option for many visitors will be to avoid driving into the affected areas and use public transport where services are operating.
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Public transport changes in Dublin
Dublin Bus diversions
Dublin Bus services serving Merrion Square will be affected from Friday morning. Routes 15a, 15b, 19, 23 and 24 are among those impacted initially.
From 8am on Sunday, a much wider group of routes will be diverted or disrupted, including routes 4, 7, 7a, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 23, 24, 27, 37, 38, 39, 44, 47, 52, 56a, 60, 65, 68, 69, 70, 74, 77a, 80, 82, 99, 122, 150 and 151.
Several orbital and cross-city corridors will also be curtailed. These include the C1, C2, C3, C4, E1, E2, F1, F2, F3, G1, G2 and S2 routes. Passengers should allow extra time and confirm their stop arrangements before travelling.
DART and Luas services
No DART services will operate between Grand Canal Dock and Bray, or between Howth Junction and Howth, on Saturday, Sunday or Monday because of rail works.
Lansdowne Road Station will be closed to spectators attending the Leinster-Munster match on Saturday evening. After the game, supporters can walk to Pearse Station, where northbound DART services to Malahide are scheduled between 7.30pm and 9pm.
The Luas Red Line will also be partially closed on Sunday from 8.45am to 10.45am, with no trams between Heuston and Connolly/The Point during the marathon crossing. The Green Line is expected to operate normally, including stops near the race’s start and finish areas at Dawson, St Stephen’s Green and Harcourt Street.
Irish Rail engineering works outside Dublin
Irish Rail is using the extended bank holiday window for infrastructure projects that cannot be completed during normal overnight closures. The work may involve tracks, overhead equipment and bridges, with some cancellations and replacement buses unavoidable.
Passengers should be aware of these changes:
- Limerick city to Limerick Junction trains will be replaced by buses from Saturday to Monday.
- Limerick to Ennis services will also operate by replacement bus over the three days.
- Work between Athlone and Ballinasloe will affect Dublin-Galway services from 6pm on Saturday.
- Bus transfers are expected to be removed from the Dublin-Galway route on Sunday and Monday.
- Extra early trains will run for marathon participants from Dundalk, Kildare, Maynooth and Malahide.
The additional early departures are scheduled from Dundalk at 6am, Kildare at 6.25am, Maynooth at 6.50am and Malahide at 7am. Travellers should still verify departure times because weekend engineering plans can change.
High passenger numbers expected at Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport expects approximately 469,000 passengers over the bank holiday weekend and school midterm break. That is around 10,000 more travellers than during the equivalent period last year.
Passengers should arrive with sufficient time for check-in and security, particularly during peak morning and afternoon periods. Road congestion linked to the marathon may also affect journeys to and from the airport, even where the race route does not directly pass the terminal.
What happens next?
Transport operators will implement the planned changes as road closures and engineering works progress. Marathon spectators, runners, sports supporters and airport passengers should check official Dublin Bus, Irish Rail, DART, Luas and airport information before departure.
Because conditions can change during a busy weekend, travellers should keep tickets, route maps and alternative plans available. Those travelling through Dublin city centre may find walking between nearby transport hubs quicker than waiting for a diverted bus.
Frequently asked questions
When will Dublin Marathon road closures begin?
Some restrictions begin on Friday around Merrion Square South. The broadest closures are expected on Sunday, from about 3.30am to 5.30pm.
Will DART services operate during the bank holiday?
There will be no DART services between Grand Canal Dock and Bray or between Howth Junction and Howth from Saturday through Monday.
Are Dublin buses running normally?
No. A number of routes will be diverted from Friday, with wider changes from Sunday morning because of the marathon.
Will trains run between Limerick and Ennis?
Irish Rail plans to replace services between Limerick and Ennis with buses from Saturday to Monday.
Conclusion
This bank holiday brings a combination of major sporting activity, planned rail works and heavy airport demand. The key message for anyone following Breaking News Ireland is to plan ahead: avoid closed roads, allow more time for airport journeys and check the latest public transport information before leaving home.