U2 headline a weekend of heated atmospheres

Over a quarter of a million people will be on the streets of north central Dublin this weekend for the sort of homecoming only…

Over a quarter of a million people will be on the streets of north central Dublin this weekend for the sort of homecoming only the "biggest band in the world" could command and Dublin could give.

Over three nights beginning tonight, U2 will play at GAA headquarters in evening gigs which have attracted an audience from near and far to see the hometown band play Croke Park for the first time in 20 years.

Fans enjoying the heady atmosphere for this emotional return for a band that not only reaches across continents but across generations will no doubt welcome the cool, light drizzle forecast to fall tonight and tomorrow night. Monday, the final night, could stay dry.

The traffic plan for the area came into operation today and there will be restricted access on many junctions off the Lower Drumcondra Road, the North Circular Road and also at Ballybough Road.

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Bus Éireann has laid on travelling from Dundalk, Drogheda, Naas, Newbridge, Kildare, Ashford, Rathnew, Wicklow, Dunshaughlin, Navan and Waterford.

Dundalk and Drogheda Avenue. Return services depart at midnight from Busáras and advance booking is advised. Fares cost up to €20.

Sporting arenas in other parts of the country will also be brimming with enthusiastic punters.

Traffic restrictions will be in place around Pairc Ui Caoimh in Cork on Sunday for the Munster Hurling Final. And in Co Kildare, traffic will be heavy around the Curragh for the Derby Festival weekend which begins this evening. The biggest attendance will be on Sunday for the Derby itself - which is likely to attract in excess of 25,000 racegoers.

Again the balmy temperature at theses venues - due to reach 21 celsius; - will benefit from the expected occasional, light drizzle.