Tens of thousands of people are due to arrive home for Christmas at Irish airports today and over the weekend.
Over 1.2 million passengers are expected to pass through the Dublin Airport during the festive season - which would make it the airport's busiest Christmas ever.
Image: Stephen MurphyThere have been emotional scenes at the airport today as thousands arrive back in Ireland for the festive season.
90,000 people are expected at the airport today alone.
It’s been an emotional day here at Dublin Airport as thousands of people welcome home their loved ones for Christmas 🎄 pic.twitter.com/HMGp0sjo5p
— Stephen Murphy (@StephenMNews) December 20, 2019
Nuala Ahern from Clonmel was waiting at arrivals to see her daughter Sophie who lives in Brisbane, Australia.
She said: "We're absolutely thrilled to have her... it's been 16 months, so it's going to be a terrific Christmas.
"We've waited 16 months for this day... it's absolutely brilliant."
Around 40 schools, choirs and musical groups have also been performing at Dublin Airport since earlier this month to celebrate the season.
Cork Airport, meanwhile, said it was planning to welcome home around 119,000 people home for Christmas this year.
Hundreds of performers will be welcoming passengers across the coming days, from both school and adult choirs.
Cork Airport's Kevin Cullinane said they want to provide arrivals with a "festive musical treat" this week.
Ireland West Airport Knock is also expecting its busiest Christmas, with 33,000 passengers expected.
