Navigating the Dublin City Marathon 2024

Navigating the Dublin City Marathon 2024: What Locums Need to Know This Weekend

The Dublin City Marathon is just around the corner, taking place this Sunday, October 27th, 2024. As one of the most anticipated events in the city’s annual calendar, it’s set to draw thousands of participants and spectators from across the globe. For our dedicated locums working throughout the weekend, it’s important to be aware of road closures and time changes that could impact your commute and scheduling. Here’s what you need to know to stay on track.

Road Closures and Traffic Disruptions
The Dublin City Marathon is a major event that winds through the heart of Dublin, resulting in numerous road closures and diversions from early morning to late afternoon. The 26.2-mile route begins at Fitzwilliam Street Upper at 8:45 AM, passing through iconic spots like Phoenix Park, the River Liffey, and University College Dublin, before finishing back near Merrion Square.

This means various roads will be closed from as early as 4 AM until approximately 5 PM on Sunday. While the marathon organisers aim to minimise disruptions, the impact on traffic will be unavoidable, especially in central areas and along the marathon route. Here are some key closures to keep in mind:

• City Centre and surrounding areas: Expect significant road closures near Merrion Square, Fitzwilliam Street, and along the River Liffey. Avoid using St. Stephen’s Green and Nassau Street if possible.
• Phoenix Park and Chapelizod Road: The park will see restricted access, with diversions in place around Chapelizod Road and Conyngham Road.
• Southside areas: Roads around Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, and Clonskeagh will be closed or have restricted access. Plan your routes in advance if you need to reach hospitals or clinics in these neighbourhoods.

For detailed road closure times and routes, the official Dublin Marathon website provides a comprehensive guide.

 Plan Ahead for Your Commute

If you're scheduled to work this Sunday, please allow extra time for your commute and consider using public transport where possible. Dublin Bus, Luas, and DART services will have some disruptions, but diversions and additional services will be in place to accommodate the event. Keep an eye on their websites and social media for real-time updates.

If driving is unavoidable, check alternative routes that avoid the marathon's path. Apps like Google Maps or Waze can help provide live traffic updates and suggest less congested routes. Additionally, cycling or walking might be a convenient option if you’re close enough to your destination.

Don’t Forget: Clocks Go Back This Weekend!
On top of the marathon, there’s another important change to note this weekend—the clocks go back an hour at 2 AM on Sunday, October 27th, marking the end of Daylight Saving Time. This means an extra hour in bed, but it can also affect your shift times, especially if you’re working a night shift that straddles the time change.

Make sure to double-check your schedules to avoid any confusion. The good news is, the extra hour might come in handy for those early starts on Sunday morning!

Stay safe, plan your route in advance, and remember that the clocks go back this weekend. For those running or supporting friends and family in the marathon—best of luck, and enjoy the day!

For more updates and details on road closures, visit the Dublin Marathon’s official website.