Ploughing traffic: 3km queues on roads near Ploughing as thousands descend on Laois

People on their way to the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co Laois, are enduring long queues of traffic as thousands descend on the event despite the bad weather.

RTE's traffic update on Morning Ireland, which is being broadcast live from the Ploughing site, warned of 3km queues of traffic on the N77 near Abbeyleix with further long delays in Stradbally.

Over 100,000 people are expected to pack the site today despite wet and windy weather. Crowds were at the site gates this morning waiting to enter the site which opened at 8am.

Crowds waiting for access to #Ploughing2023 at Ratheniska @farmersjournal pic.twitter.com/HKtgCo50fE

— IFJCaitriona (@IFJCaitriona) September 19, 2023

People driving to the site are being warned of delays on all routes and to exercise caution, particularly given the poor weather and driving conditions.

An Garda Síochána is encouraging attendees of the upcoming National Ploughing Championships 2023 to use colour-coded routes.

Gardaí have released details of traffic management measures which will be in place for the event (September 19 to September 21). 

Blue route (traffic from Cork/Munster): 

Traffic travelling northbound on the M8 will exit at Junction 4 (Johnstown, Urlingford) and proceed onto R439 (old N8) where it will travel to Durrow Co. Laois. From Durrow traffic will continue forward onto the N77 (old N8) to Abbeyleix.

In Abbeyleix traffic will turn right onto the R425 to Ballyroan village, continue forward to Cashel Cross bearing right onto R427 to Money Cross and will proceed to parking beside the event grounds.

Parking:

Patrons travelling this route will park in the designated BLUE car parks on the left and right hand side of the R427 just beside the event grounds at Ratheniska. 

The journey into the @NPAIE site in Ratheniska has been divided into six colour coded routes depending on the location that you are approaching from.

Those coming from Cork and Munster are to take the blueroute: https://t.co/Nnkx7ZOI8f#Ploughing2023

— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) September 13, 2023

Purple route (traffic from Dublin/ Leinster/ North): 

Traffic travelling southbound on the M7 will exit at Junction 15 Cappakeel, Co. Laois and proceed left onto the L3930 where it will travel to Vicarstown. In Vicarstown, it will turn right onto R427 and travel towards Stradbally Co. Laois.

At Garrans Cross, traffic will turn right for approximately 1.6km and then turn left at Buddocks Cross proceeding onto Abels Corner, Stradbally where it will turn right onto N80 and immediately left onto the R427.

Parking: 

Patrons travelling this route will park in the designated PURPLE Car Parks on the left and right hand side of the R427 just beside the event grounds at Ratheniska. 

Our purple route is advised for people travelling to @NPAIE from Dublin, Leinster and/or Northern Ireland: https://t.co/VDItznCMXp#Ploughing2023

— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) September 13, 2023

Brown route (traffic from Limerick/ Kerry/ South West): 

Traffic travelling northbound on the M7 will exit at Junction 17 Togher, Portlaoise and proceed left onto N77 towards Portlaoise town. Traffic will be diverted right at Meelick onto the L6310 where it will turn right onto the R426 and onto Sheffield Cross.

At Sheffield Junction traffic will turn right again and proceed onto Money Cross to parking beside the event grounds.

Traffic travelling northbound on the R445 (old N7) will be diverted back onto the M7 Motorway at Junction 18 where it will proceed to parking with the rest of Limerick/ Kerry/ South West traffic.

Parking: 

Patrons travelling this route will park in the designated BROWN Car Parks on the left hand side of the R427 just beside the event grounds at Ratheniska. 

With less than a week until @NPAIE - why not check out our series of videos to best guide you in advance as to what colour traffic route you should take to Ratheniska, Stradbally Co. Laois.

WATCH: https://t.co/BlipFfVdJN#Ploughing2023

— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) September 13, 2023

Green route (traffic from the West/ North West): 

Traffic travelling from the west on the N80 will proceed to Mountmellick town. Approaching the town Traffic will take a left onto the L20972. Continuing on this road to take a right onto the L423. Traffic will join the R422 and travel as far
as Kennels Cross, Emo, Co. Laois. 

At Kennels Cross, traffic will turn right onto R419 and travel forward to the R445 (Old Dublin Rd), turning right and proceed towards Ballydavis, Portlaoise continuing through two roundabouts (1st and 3rd exits respectively) remaining on the R445 towards Rathbrennan, Portlaoise where traffic will turn left onto the R425 travelling forward to Bloomfield Cross.

At Bloomfield Cross, traffic will turn left onto N80 and proceed to Dysart where it will turn right onto a one-way system along the L6772 as far as Ratheniska village. Traffic will proceed to parking beside the event grounds.

Parking:

Patrons travelling this route will park in the designated GREEN Car Parks near the Church at Ratheniska Village near event grounds. 

Anyone travelling by car from the West and North West of Ireland are to follow the greenroute to arrive safely and within reasonable time: https://t.co/5nO9FCp5aM #Ploughing2023

— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) September 13, 2023

Yellow route (traffic from South East/ Carlow): 

Traffic travelling from Carlow and South East will travel through Simmons Mill Cross roads on the N80 and continue forward towards Stradbally town via the Windy Gap. At Court Square, Stradbally, traffic will turn left onto the L3837 (Timahoe Rd) and go to Timogue Cross Roads where it will turn right onto L7835 (One-way system). 

Traffic will proceed to parking beside the event grounds.

Parking:

Patrons travelling this route will park in the designated 'YELLOW Car Parks on the left hand side of the L7835 beside the event grounds at Ratheniska. 

South East/Carlow attendees are asked to please travel via the yellowroute: https://t.co/1xyczh62ky#Ploughing2023 pic.twitter.com/it3IOiqStE

— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) September 13, 2023

Grey route (traffic from South East [Kilkenny])

Traffic travelling from Kilkenny/South East along the N78 will turn left at Newtown Cross Roads and continue forward along the R430 to The Swan. Just outside The Swan Village, traffic will turn right onto the R426 and continue to Timahoe Village. In Timahoe Traffic will continue through the village on the R426 towards Money Cross. At Loughteague Lane, traffic will turn right onto L78354.

Parking:

Traffic will proceed to parking by turning right off the L7837 into the GREY Car Park beside the event. Vehicle passes should be clearly visible on approach to Traffic Points to assist Gardai in ensuring you are directed appropriately and in an efficient manner. 

Shuttle Bus 

A Shuttle Bus Service will be operated by Bus Eireann from Portlaosie, Portarlington and Athy Train Stations to the Village of Ratheniska. The times of this service will operate to suit the train times. The drop off and pick up point are less than a 10 minute walk from the Trade Exhibition.