One way or another, music fans should avoid driving to concerts

With three super nights of concerts to go as part the summer music fest in Malahide, Fingal County Council wants fans to embrace sustainable transportation options when attending the highly anticipated events this week.

As always there is an exceptional line-up of world-renowned artists set to grace the stage in Malahide, with Florence + The Machine headlining tonight, Blondie and Sting taking to the stage on Wednesday and then homegrown talent Hozier closing out the concerts on Friday night.

Organisers want concertgoers to avoid driving to the venue if at all possible and instead look to take a bus, hop on a train or the DART, ride a bike or simply walk to the picturesque seaside town in Fingal. Doing so will not only help reduce emissions but also help ease traffic congestion on the way to and from Malahide.

Event Manager for the Council, Paul Barnes, said: “Encouraging music lovers to choose alternatives to driving is a powerful step towards reducing our carbon footprint and creating more sustainable communities. Leaving your car keys at home and choosing public transport options will mean arriving relaxed and ready to enjoy the music, particularly as public transport lets you bypass the hassle of parking and traffic congestion.”

With demand to attend the remaining three concerts exceptionally high, organisers are warning anyone who still needs to drive that they must pre-book one of the limited parking spaces still available or risk being turned away on arrival. This can only be done online via https://marathongroup.ie/. Only those with a confirmed slot will be able to enter the car park, meaning anyone who has not pre-booked runs the risk of missing the start of the concert due to the lack of parking around Malahide and worse still may find their cars clamped or towed if they choose to then park illegally.

There is a comprehensive public transport plan in place, ensuring fans have convenient access to the concerts. Easily accessible by DART and intercity trains, Malahide Station is located just a short 15-minute walk away from the entrance to the venue and there will be increased schedules for concertgoers. In addition, a dedicated shuttle service will operate from strategic points in Dublin, providing direct transportation to the grounds. There will also be additional bike parking in place. Alongside these options, safe walking routes will be clearly marked and encouraged for those residing within a reasonable distance from the venue.

With an extensive catalogue of music spanning decades on offer at Malahide across this week, consider the following tracks from our leading artists as you look at heading along:

• "Shake it Out" – Lose the monotony of everyday transportation! Let Florence’s powerful vocals inspire you to leave behind your car keys and embrace a vibrant alternative journey to the concert grounds.
• “Free” – Hear the music, feel the beat and don’t forget to dance. Get the comfy shoes on and walk through the winding treelined path to the venue, making it stress free to and from the Castle grounds.
• “Cosmic Love” – The ethereal voice of Florence can transport you to another dimension of environmental consciousness. Embrace your love for our planet and choose the eco-friendly alternatives of trains and buses to get to the concert, reducing your carbon footprint.
• “Atomic” – Let Blondie unleash the energy within you and channel it into active transportation. Pedal your way to the festival on your trusty bicycle, feeling the adrenaline rush as you become a part of the sustainable movement.
• "One Way or Another" - Evoking a sense of determination and resourcefulness, why not choose trains, shuttle buses or simply walk for a hassle-free journey, saving time & avoiding any possibility of gridlocked angst.
• “Hanging On the Telephone” – Don’t miss out by not checking our website for a range of travel options and risking being turned away if driving without a booked car parking space.
• “Fields of Gold” – Sting helps paint a vivid picture of nature's beauty, and it’s a nice reminder of the importance of preserving our environment and choosing to be more sustainable. There are also 200 acres of lush, green parkland surrounding Malahide Castle, called the demesne.
• "Every Breath You Take" - Take a deep breath of fresh air while cycling to Malahide. By reducing carbon emissions and choosing sustainable modes of transportation, every step you take towards greener travel benefits the planet!
• "Spread a Little Happiness” – Be positive and happy to those around you whilst on your way to the grounds, when you’re in the venue and by also respecting the residents as you leave. Show small actions can make a big difference in creating a better world.
• “We'll Be Together” – Whether it’s riding a shuttle bus, catching the train or singing along to your favourite songs, be sure to enjoy the camaraderie among music fans at the summer music concerts.
• “Take Me to Church” – Not only does a DART or train ride to see Hozier at Malahide bring you out at St. Sylvester's by the station, but keep your eye out for Malahide Abbey as you walk by the Castle.
• “Someone New” – The infectious charm of this one by Hozier celebrates the excitement and adventure of meeting fellow concertgoers and music fans from around the world.

The Council is also keen to also encourage concertgoers to show respect for the local community. These are memorable and vibrant gigs, and the atmosphere is always enjoyable, however local residents should be able to appreciate their own environment without feeling under threat by rowdy passers-by. That also means not parking across driveways or pathways, and to please make sure you the facilities that are strategically placed along the route whilst making your way to the concert.

Fingal urges attendees to plan their journey in advance and consult the official concert website MCD.ie or go to fingal.ie/malahide-castle-summer-concerts for detailed information on public transport options, road closures and a venue map.