[Discover Ireland]

AFTER TWO STAGES based north of the border, the world’s second biggest cycle race heads down the east coast today.

Tens of thousands of spectators are expected along the route. The stage finishes up at Dublin’s Merrion Square at around 4.30pm this afternoon.

Around 200 competitors have set off from Armagh. They’ll race down through counties Louth and Meath, before entering County Dublin via Balbriggan and Swords.

If you’re planning on heading along, or if you’re simply aiming to avoid traffic problems in the area — it’s worth noting that road closures will be in place until up to 3.30pm in Louth and Meath. In the city centre, some restrictions stay in place until 11pm.

Advice for spectators from the Gardaí: 

“Public can attend anywhere along the route and enjoy the spectacle. We would advise that persons use the following locations to park.”

• Dundalk: All local authorty car parks, Dundalk Institute of Technology car parks
• Castlebellingham & Duneer: All approach roads in a safe manner
• Drogheda: All local authority car parks
• Dublin County: Ardgillen Castle
• Dublin County: Swords Estuarry Roundabout
• Malahide Seafront: Parking in Malahide Castle
• Clontarf: Corner of Alfie Byrne Road

In the city centre, there will be a number of road closures in the Merrion Square area:

Merrion Square West, Merrion Square South, Merrion Square East, Merrion Street Upper, Mount Street Upper and Fitzwilliam Street Lower.

Full traffic and spectator information is available from the Garda website.

Traffic information can also be found at AA Roadwatch: here for Louth and Meath and here for Dublin.

You’ll find info on Dublin Bus diversions here. There are also special arrangements for the Dart and mainline rail services.

Oh, and you might want to bring an umbrella.

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