The population of Enniscorthy is set to multiply this weekend as one of Ireland's biggest annual jamborees, the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann, returns to the town after an absence of 32 years.
It may not officially begin until tonight, but the Co Wexford town was already alive to the sounds of the fleadh last night as impromptu sessions began in the pubs and on the streets.
And while it's all supposed to end on Monday, the party is likely to continue until well into next week, particularly if the good weather predicted for the weekend holds up.
Up to 150,000 people will converge on the town, which has a population of just 8,000, for the event. But local gardai and the organisers of the fleadh dismissed fears yesterday that the town would not be capable of managing the expected crowds.
Sgt Pat McDonald said the town had coped well with events of similar size in recent years, such as the Tour de France last year and the National Ploughing Championships which have been held in the area twice since 1994.
"We have become quite used to hosting large events, and everybody is confident that the town will be able to cater for this one," he said.
While the 150 competitions in a wide variety of disciplines continue to form the core of the event, the fleadh has grown over the years into a major festival including music sessions; ceilis and concerts; traditional music, singing and set dance workshops; lectures and films.
A new feature of this year's event, supported by Millennium Festivals Ltd, will be the storytelling performances and workshops. Another expected highlight is the involvement of mumming groups from around Wexford, who will give exhibitions in a type of folk drama which has existed in the county since the early 18th century.
Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, which organises the event, estimates that the fleadh will generate spending of between £8 million and £9 million in the town.
Mr Eddie Nangle, the press officer for the event, said all registered accommodation in Enniscorthy was booked out as soon as the town was selected to host the fleadh last October. As the event is usually held in the same town for two years in succession, bookings are already being made for next August.
Sgt McDonald said those attending the fleadh should use the free car-parks being provided on approach roads to the town.
Bellefield GAA club has been made available for camping while caravan sites have been set up at a number of locations, including Blackstoops on the Dublin road.
Enniscorthy gardai have advised that the following traffic arrangements will be in place for the event:
Traffic from Dublin and North Leinster: take N11 via Gorey, Camolin, Ferns to Enniscorthy, park in car-parks A and A1. Traffic from the midlands: take the N80 via Bunclody to Enniscorthy, park in car-parks A and A1.
Traffic from Rosslare and Wexford: take the N11 via Oilgate to Enniscorthy, park in car-parks B and B1. Traffic from Oulart area: take the L30 to Enniscorthy, park in car-park C.
Traffic from Kilkenny to south Leinster: take the R702 out of Kiltealy to Enniscorthy, park in car-park D. Traffic from Munster region: take N30 from New Ross to Enniscorthy, park in car-park €1 and €2.
Parking restrictions and detours will be in operation around Enniscorthy, and motorists are advised to allow plenty of extra time for their journeys.
