Northern Ireland

GAA fans face travel chaos as Taylor Swift arrives in Dublin

GAA semi finals, Taylor Swift concerts and Pride in Dublin have seen demand for public transport soar

It takes rush-hour commuters in Dublin almost twice as long to negotiate traffic
Rush-hour commuters in Dublin

Gaelic football fans travelling to Dublin for the All-Ireland quarter-finals this weekend are facing travel chaos as thousands of ‘Swifties’ are due in the city at the same time.

Four fixtures take place in Croke Park on Saturday and Sunday involving Armagh, Derry and Donegal clashing with two of Taylor Swifts sold out gigs at the Aviva stadium.

Dublin’s Pride parade also takes place on Saturday.

While the venues are more than three miles apart, those traveling from the north for either event will have limited transport options available if they have not already pre booked rail or coach services.

Translink’s online journey planner shows bus and train services between 9am and 1pm on Saturday were at capacity.

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Sunday also had limited availability.

Translink has been contacted for comment.

Taylor Swift will play three dates in Dublin
Taylor Swift will play three dates in Dublin (Jane Barlow/PA)

Meanwhile The Taxis for Ireland Coalition said the Taylor Swift concert, Longitude, Dublin Pride Parade and other events this weekend will bring 600,000 people into the city.

It is predicting that this could lead to long waits for transport for those needing a lift home.



The coalition, which is made up of a number of representative bodies from the tourism, hospitality and transport sectors, is seeking immediate action from the National Transport Authority and the Government to boost taxi numbers.