Gardaí are hoping that a significant fall in the number of motorists being killed on the roads will continue over the bank holiday weekend.
To date 138 people have been killed this year, down 29 on the same period last year. Twenty- one people died in May, 10 fewer than for the same month last year.
Gardaí say the fall in deaths is a result of motorists becoming more compliant because the chances of being caught drink-driving or speeding has increased dramatically with random breathtesting and more speed cameras.
Supt John Farrelly of the Garda Traffic Corps, said: "We are continuing to keep the pressure on in relation to mandatory alcohol-testing checkpoint. A lot of people are experiencing the fact that they are being stopped by gardaí and breath-tested. That has had an effect nationwide.
"We have speed cameras, laser guns and gatsos and we have extra personnel coming into the traffic corps all the time. That is increasing our capacity in relation to speeding quite dramatically, and that's set to continue."
Both the Garda and the AA have warned motorists to ensure there is no repeat of the June bank holiday weekend last year when seven people were killed. Drivers have been advised not to drink and drive, drive while tired or speed.
Those driving to the sold-out Dublin-Meath match at Croke Park have been advised to allow time for their journey as a large crowd is expected at Navan racecourse.
Large crowds too are expected at the Bord Bia-sponsored Bloom 2007 festival which continues over the weekend in the Phoenix Park. On bank holiday Monday, more than 40,000 competitors will take part in the women's mini-marathon through the streets of Dublin.
A total of 3,600 runners will also take part on Monday in the Cork city marathon, the first time the event has been held for 21 years.
This weekend also sees the start of one of the most unusual circuses to come to Ireland. The Nofit State Circus began last night in the Big Top on St George's Dock in the IFSC. Unlike conventional circuses, there are no clowns or animals and no seating. Instead, trapeze artists and aerial acrobats will perform near the audience. As part of Club ImMortal, there will be a dozen cabaret nights featuring acts like Kíla and the Tassel Club.
A number of other big events are taking place around the country. The fourth annual Cobh maritime song festival takes place at the Sirius Arts Centre with musicians from Ireland, England, Poland, France and the United States taking place. There will also be an exhibition to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Joseph Conrad.
Another festival on a musical theme is the second annual world bodhrán championships in Milltown, Co Kerry. An estimated 20,000 people attended last year.
This bank holiday weekend marks the traditional start of Dublin airport's busiest time of the year. Some 380,000 passengers are expected to travel through the airport this weekend, up 9 per cent on last year.
Among them will be hundreds of pilgrims, including President Mary McAleese and the Lord of Mayor of Dublin Vincent Jackson, who are travelling to Rome for the canonisation of Blessed Charles of Mount Argus, the Dutch-born monk who became a renowned healer in the 19th century. Iarnród Éireann is expecting a busy weekend and extra trains have been laid on at rush-hour for an estimated 250,000 passengers.
