There have been calls for people enjoying the holiday weekend to take special care following six deaths last weekend in a series of road, fire and water accidents. More than 600,000 people are expected to travel on public transport this August Bank Holiday weekend and many more will travel by private transport.
With this in mind, the National Safety Council has called on road-users in particular to take extra care.
The council warns that the three main causes of deaths on the roads are speeding, drinking and dangerous driving.
It reminds drivers and passengers that without seatbelts, 75 per cent of people will be killed or seriously wounded in a 30 mph head-on crash.
The Minister of State for the Environment, Mr Bobby Molloy, reiterated the council's message, calling on drivers never to drink and drive.
Mr Molloy, whose brief includes road safety, expressed "serious concern" at the rising number of fatalities and injuries on the roads.
His message to drivers this weekend was to "drive carefully and enjoy the holiday".
The council also reminded swimmers to take extra care this weekend.
People are warned never to swim alone or after eating or drinking alcohol. Warning signs should be heeded and people should stay within their depth and, if possible, within sight of lifeguards.
Met Eireann is promising a sunny, warm weekend for the whole country, with the possible exception of the extreme south, where there may be some showers. However, these showers may stay out at sea, leaving the south dry for the weekend.
Music fans will certainly be hoping for dry weather as thousands are expected at the Millstreet Music Fair in Co Cork. Among the many big names performing are Christy Moore, Suzanne Vega, Jools Holland, Luka Bloom and Sharon Shannon.
For those who prefer not to travel this weekend and would rather contemplate future travel plans, the Dublin Transportation Office (DTO) is exhibiting elements of the city's transport initiative.
DART, LUAS and Dublin Bus will display information about existing and planned services, including the new information systems for DART stations. The DTO says the public will be able to offer its views on the future of Dublin's public transport system.
The exhibition takes place in the Green Building, Temple Bar, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily over the weekend.
Elsewhere in Dublin city, the third biggest showjumping event in the country takes place in Dun Laoghaire on Monday.
Taking part in the show will be the daughter of King Hussein of Jordan, Princess Haya Al Bin, and members of Ireland's national showjumping team.
The event takes place in the grounds of the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown, and starts at 9.30 a.m.
The weekend marks the end of the Galway races but other sports festivals are starting.
These include the Kinsale Annual Regatta, in Co Cork, which starts today and runs until August 7th, and the Muff Sports Festival, in Co Donegal, which runs over the weekend.
For those more inclined to craic rather than sport, the Spraoi festival in Waterford takes place over the weekend, with street performers and drummers.
The Rose of Arranmore festival starts tomorrow in Arranmore, Co Donegal, and runs until August 10th.
Other festivals taking place over the weekend include the Greystones Summer Festival, in Co Wicklow, and the Ballymoate Heritage Weekend, in Co Sligo.
Beir bua agus slan.