It’s gearing up to be a busy one.

More than 53,000 passengers are expected to travel through Cork Airport this St. Patrick’s Bank Holiday weekend, on a par with Cork’s busiest ever St. Patrick’s weekend traffic last year.

Arriving passengers will be treated to traditional Irish music and dance, as a large number of inbound visitors travel from the UK and Europe to celebrate our national holiday.

Friday, March 13th will be the busiest day of the weekend for arrivals, as visitors touch down from the UK, Europe and further afield for St Patrick’s Day festivities in Cork and across the South of Ireland.

With both Friday and Saturday expected to be the busiest days of the weekend for departures, Cork Airport advises those travelling to arrive at the airport in good time to ensure a smooth and hassle-free airport experience. Passengers are advised to arrive at least 90 minutes before their flight is due to depart.

A true Irish welcome

From Thursday afternoon through to Tuesday afternoon, there will be daily performances by local musicians taking to the stage area in Arrivals, offering a true Irish “céad míle fáilte” for those landing at Ireland’s Gateway to the South ahead of St Patrick’s Day.

Aisling O’Connell and fellow pupils from Scoil Chlochair Mhuire National School, Carrigtwohill. Photo: Brian Lougheed

One of the biggest events on the international racing calendar also contribute to an increase in passenger numbers over the coming week as thousands of punters return from the Cheltenham Racing Festival. From last Monday evening and throughout the week, punters are flying to Bristol, Birmingham and London for the ever-popular racing festival.

Ryanair has added additional services to Birmingham this week to cater for the increased demand while many others will avail of the daily Aer Lingus Regional service to Bristol.

“We in Ireland are blessed to have a national day which is known the world over and a branding which resonates in every country without prompt.” said Managing Director at Cork Airport, Niall MacCarthy.

“This year, passengers may notice substantial building activity in the terminal as we expand our facility for future growth. However, working with our construction partners, PJ Hegarty, the works have been cordoned off so that the same ‘céad míle fáilte’ is extended and the quality of your journey is as pleasant and friendly as ever.” he added.