Dublin is preparing for a difficult bank holiday weekend, with heavy rain from Storm Boelo, the Dublin Marathon and major rail closures all expected to affect movement across the capital. For anyone planning travel Ireland plans, the message is simple: check transport information early, allow extra time and be ready to change your route.
Sunday is likely to be the most challenging day. Around 22,500 runners will take part in the Dublin Marathon, bringing extensive road closures and bus diversions across the city. At the same time, a significant section of the DART network will be closed from Saturday through Monday, while wet and windy conditions may make walking and driving less comfortable.
Dublin travel disruption: what visitors need to know
DART closures across the weekend
The largest planned disruption affects the DART. No DART trains are scheduled to operate between Grand Canal Dock and Bray, or between Howth Junction and Donaghmede, from Saturday to Monday.
Services are expected to run only between Malahide and Grand Canal Dock during the closure period. Several stations will also be unavailable, including Bayside, Sutton, Howth, Lansdowne Road, Sandymount, Sydney Parade, Booterstown, Blackrock, Seapoint, Dún Laoghaire, Dalkey, Killiney and Shankill.
This is particularly important for visitors planning coastal sightseeing, Dublin day trips or hotel transfers along the southside. Travellers heading towards Dún Laoghaire, Dalkey, Bray or Howth should check replacement transport options before leaving their accommodation. Taxis may be busy, and journey times could be longer than usual.
Dublin Bus diversions and marathon road closures
Dublin Bus routes will also be affected. Merrion Square is due to close to traffic from Friday, disrupting routes including the 15a, 15b, 19, 23 and 24. On Sunday, a much wider network of routes will be diverted as the marathon progresses.
Affected services include 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 bus corridor routes, including the C, E, F, G and S services, will also experience disruption.
Marathon-related closures will develop throughout Sunday rather than happening all at once. The route includes areas around Cuffe Street, St Patrick’s Cathedral, High Street, Phoenix Park, Inchicore Road, the South Circular Road, University College Dublin, Stillorgan Road and Merrion Road, before finishing at Merrion Square.
For visitors interested in things to do Ireland offers in the city centre, walking may be the most reliable option in some areas. However, heavy rainfall means waterproof clothing and comfortable shoes are essential. Avoid assuming that a familiar bus route will operate normally, and allow extra time for restaurant bookings, airport transfers and Dublin travel connections.
Read more: Plan your next Irish escape with Ireland travel tips and destination ideas from Daily Digest.
Storm Boelo adds another layer of uncertainty
Storm Boelo is expected to bring widespread rain to Dublin, with strengthening southerly winds. Forecast guidance indicates that the heaviest rainfall may initially affect the west and southwest, while stronger winds are expected further north and northwest later in the day and overnight.
That combination could make the marathon weekend uncomfortable for runners and spectators, while also affecting road visibility and outdoor plans. Anyone considering ireland sightseeing, walking tours or outdoor activities should monitor updates from Met Éireann and transport providers before setting out.
Visitors staying in Dublin should consider a flexible itinerary. Museums, galleries, cafés and indoor cultural attractions may be better choices during the worst of the rain, while outdoor plans such as coastal walks can be moved to a clearer day. If you are driving, avoid relying on sat-nav arrival times around the marathon route, as road closures will change during the event.
Practical Dublin travel tips for the bank holiday
- Check DART and Dublin Bus updates before every journey.
- Allow significantly more time for airport transfers and train connections.
- Keep accommodation details and alternative routes saved offline.
- Carry waterproof layers, especially if attending the marathon or walking between attractions.
- Avoid driving into the marathon route unless access has been confirmed.
- Book taxis and restaurants early, as demand may be higher than usual.
- Use official weather and transport updates rather than relying on old timetables.
For travellers arriving from outside the city, this weekend is also a reminder to build flexibility into an ireland travel itinerary. Dublin remains an excellent base for city breaks, food tours and cultural experiences, but major events and severe weather can quickly alter journey times. If your plans include onward rail travel, ferry travel or a rental car, confirm connections in advance.
Explore more: Find inspiration for Ireland weekend getaways and scenic travel ideas at Media Digest, or browse luxury stays and memorable Ireland holiday destinations at Luxe Digest.
Frequently asked questions
Will the DART run during the Dublin Marathon weekend?
Services are planned to operate only between Malahide and Grand Canal Dock from Saturday to Monday. The sections towards Bray, Howth Junction and Donaghmede will be closed.
What is the best way to get around Dublin on marathon day?
Walking may be practical in the central area, but visitors should expect longer journeys and changing road access. Check Dublin Bus updates and avoid planning tight connections.
Should visitors cancel a Dublin trip because of the storm?
Not necessarily, but plans should be flexible. Indoor attractions, cafés and museums are useful alternatives, while weather and transport updates should be checked regularly.
Which parts of Dublin will be affected by the marathon?
Closures will affect central streets and sections towards Phoenix Park, Inchicore, the South Circular Road, UCD, Stillorgan, Merrion Road and Merrion Square.
Dublin is still a rewarding destination for ireland tourism, even during a complicated weekend. The best approach is to plan around the marathon, prepare for Storm Boelo and confirm every important journey before leaving. With a little flexibility—and a waterproof jacket—visitors can still enjoy the capital while avoiding the worst of the bank holiday disruption.