Today is the busiest day for airport arrivals over Christmas.
Around 100,000 people are expected to pass through Dublin Airport over the next 24 hours.
Shannon Airport has said it is experiencing its busiest Christmas since 2009.
More than 120,000 passengers are expected to pass through, an increase of almost one-fifth on last year.
While some people have been making long-haul trips from Australia, Canada and further afield, more will make the journey home by car.
In response, Gardaí are holding a National Slow Down Day with extra speed checks being carried out until 7am tomorrow.
Nora was at Dublin Airport's Terminal 1 to welcome home her son Karl and his partner Lyndsey.
"They are coming in from Asia, they're both medical, they've been touring since October '23," she said.
"So I'm really, really looking forward to them [coming home]."
She said she came up with a specific sign to "embarrass" the two of them.
Nora Finn with her sign at Dublin Airport, 22-12-23. Image: Aoife Kearns/NewstalkNora said it also ties in with her other son Stephen, who lives in the United States.
"My eldest son is a police officer in California, so he won't be coming home this Christmas," she said.
"Myself, Karl and Lyndsey we'll be going out to see his brother in January - so that's a nice Christmas present as well.
"It will be just fabulous to have them home - our plan for Christmas Day is to have no plan."
Teresa McDonald looking festive waiting to surprise her son John at Dublin Airport, 22-12-23. Image: Aoife Kearns/NewstalkTeresa was waiting to meet her son John from Canada as a surprise.
"I haven't seen him for Christmas for the last three years, so he's coming this year now and I'm super excited," she said.
"He's going to be mortified when he sees me because he doesn't know I'm here. He'll probably run the other way now.
"You miss them all, but you have to let them go and fly the nest and do their own thing".
Dublin Airport at Christmas is special. The hugs are a little tighter. The smiles bigger than at any other time of year. And there’s a beautiful mix of nerves & excitement as loved ones watch the arrivals doors. 🎄
(Caution: you may have something in your eye in 90 seconds!) pic.twitter.com/gy4kxFWZx5— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) December 21, 2023
Deirdre and Eva were waiting for their sister, Mairead.
"She's been away in Hanoi teaching for the past eight or nine months so we're really looking forward to seeing her," they said.
"We really missed her so it'd be weird not to have her there, so glad she's coming back."
Anna, who arrived into Dublin from Doha, said this trip had been a long-time coming.
"It's super-exciting, especially as the last couple of Christmases have been very different with COVID and not being able to travel," she said.
"We've been stuck out in Qatar a couple of years for the holiday season, so it means a lot to be able to come home and see our families and get in the Christmassy spirit," she added.
Another day of magical #Christmas reunions in the Arrivals halls at Dublin Airport as more than 40,000 pairs of feet landed on Irish soil!🎄 pic.twitter.com/SxTJD4F7zK
— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) December 21, 2023
Reporting by: Aoife Kearns
