Tips for those heading to Marlay Park gigs.

The first of a series of Summer concerts takes place this Friday in Marlay Park as Kodaline take to the stage, followed by Stone Roses on Saturday and Longitude the next weekend. If you're planning on heading to any of these gigs, please keep the following in mind:

- The main approach routes to Marlay Park will most likely be the M50 Southbound coming off at J12/13 and the Grange Rd, so expect extra delays if you're travelling on either of those routes. Another possible approach is the N11/Leopardstown/Sandyford Business District and R113.

- There is very limited parking in the area so if at all possible use public transport to get to the concert site. Dublin Bus runs a number of services including the 16 which drops you right outside Marlay Park. The closest Luas stops are at Dundrum and Balally, which leave you around 30 minutes walk to the park. Plan your route in advance to lessen your stress. You can find the best transport option for you at nationaltransport.ie

- There will also be a number of shuttle buses departing from George's Quay throughout the afternoon every half an hour, and returning to the city centre after the concert. Full details are available at 

www.bushiredublin.net, and bear in mind it might be worth booking your ticket in advance online.

- Leave plenty of extra time to arrive at the venue (around 2 hours) however you're getting there. Doors for the Kodaline gig are at 4.30PM with 2 support acts and doors for Stone Roses the next day are at 5.30PM,

- Stay safe before, during and after the concert. Things can get chaotic as people depart after a concert so remember to take it slow leaving the venue, and take time to re-orient yourself with the area. 

- Enjoy the concerts!

St Patrick's Day Road Closures and Diversions

The St Patrick's Day Parade takes place in Dublin City this Thursday from midday.

The parade will begin at Parnell Square North before making its way onto O'Conell St via Parnell Sq East. From there it will travel south over O'Connell Bridge to Westmoreland St and College Green before heading towards Christchurch. It will then turn left on Nicholas St and finish just past St Patrick's Cathedral.

A number of closures will be in place to facilitate the event. Western Way will be closed from 7pm on Wednesday until 3pm on Thursday. On Thursday, the following closures will be in place from 5am to 5pm:

- Mountjoy St

- Mountjoy Sq Middle

- Palmerstown Place

- Wellington St

- St Mary's Place North

- Granby Row

- Parnell Sq North

- Parnell Sq East

- Cavendish Row

- O'Connell St

- Westmoreland St

- College Green

- Dame St

- Lord Edward St

- Christchurch Place

- Nicholas St

- Patrick St

- New St South

- New Market

- Clanbrassil St Lwr.

Traffic on North Quays will be diverted via Church St, Constitution Hill, North Circular Road, Portland Row and Amiens St

Inbound traffic heading south on North Wall Quay will be diverted via City Quay, Lombard St, Westland Row, Merrion Sq North, Mount St Lwr and Haddington Rd. Traffic travelling west on North Wall Quay will be diverted via George's Quay, Beresford Place, Gardiner St, NCR, Infirmary Rd and Parkgate St.

Dublin Bus are operating a number of diversions to their routes due to the festival. Details can be found on www.dublinbus.ie

LUAS services will not operate on St Patrick's Day due to strike action.