Gardaí will set up checkpoints on national primary routes in an effort to cut the number of deaths and injuries on the roads this bank holiday weekend.
The warning of greater Garda visibility on the roads came as new figures revealed that in the last five years 22 people were killed and 516 people were injured on the May weekends.
Six people died and 76 were injured in road traffic accidents over last years' bank holiday weekend.
Gardaí will have a higher profile on access routes to urban centres, with a particular emphasis on routes around pubs.
As well as the usual bank holiday congestion on main routes there are some sporting events which may cause hold-ups.
Tonight Leinster meet Glasgow for the quarter final of the Celtic Cup at Lansdowne Road at 7.30pm.
On Sunday there's a double-header at Croke Park when Meath meet Monaghan in the final of NFL Division 1, and Wexford take on Armagh in the Division 2 final.
It will be a busy day at Thurles in Tipperary on Monday due to the National Hurling League final at 4.30pm. The match will be preceded by two college finals.
If you are planning to get away by air this weekend, Dublin Airport are advising passengers to check in at least 90 minutes prior to their departure time. This is due to increased security regulations. Passengers are also advised to take a maximum of one carry-on bag.
If you are escaping by bus, Bus Éireann will be running a normal timetable on all routes on Friday and Saturday. There will be extra buses on long-distance services to cater for the larger volume of passengers.
On Sunday May 1st, normal Sunday services will operate in the main, with a small number of alterations.
Customers are advised to travel as early as possible and allow extra time for journeys which involve connections between routes.
Kilkenny City is hosting the Rhythm and Roots Festival this weekend. Venues are around Kilkenny and the city may be busy all weekend.