NTA and Transport for Ireland welcomes Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Ireland takes on this responsibility for the eighth time from 1 July to 31 December 2026. It is at a significant moment for Europe and the wider international community.
“Ireland’s eighth Presidency of the Council of the European Union is an opportunity to drive meaningful progress across Europe through partnership, ambition and action.”
Occasional traffic and public transport diversions and disruptions
For security due to the EU Precidency, there may be occasional traffic and public transport diversions and disruptions in place.
During the presidency, be sure to allow extra time to get to Irish airports – Dublin, Shannon, Cork and Knock.
1 July
The Official Opening Ceremony of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 will take place on Wednesday 1 July in Dublin Castle.
Traffic diversions and public transport delays may be experienced in the vicinity of Dublin Castle
The Government will launch Ireland’s six-month Presidency of the European Union at a ceremony in Dublin Castle.
RTE reports that Taoiseach Micheál Martin has invited the President of the European Council António Costa as well as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky to attend the launch.
The Taoiseach will hold a bilateral meeting with President Costa, who represents 27 EU leaders, at Government Buildings ahead of the launch.
The ceremony in Dublin Castle will be attended by former taoisigh, former and current Irish MEPs, former Irish EU commissioners, as well as current Commissioner for Justice, Democracy and the Rule of Law Michael McGrath.Ambassadors from all 26 other EU member states have been invited to attend, as well as diplomatic staff from further afield.
Traffic diversions and public transport delays may be experienced in the streets by Dublin Castle
If you are travelling to Cork or Dublin Airport, be sure to allow extra time as there may be extra traffic delays.
2nd, 3rd July
A visit of the College of Commissioners to Ireland will take place in Cork on 2 and 3 July 2026.As part of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the College of Commissioners will meet with members of the Irish Government for discussions on a range of EU policy matters.
The visit will provide an opportunity for strategic engagement between the European Commission and the Irish Presidency at the outset of the Presidency term. Discussions will focus on key EU policy areas linked to the priorities of the Presidency and will conclude with a plenary session chaired by the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
EU Presidency events will be concentrated at the University College Cork campus, Cork City Hall, Tyndall National Institute and Hayfield Manor Hotel.
Roads and streets by UCC – Gaol Walk, between College Road and Western Road, will be closed from the afternoon of 1 July until the afternoon of 3 July 2026.
Members of the public living, working and travelling between University College Cork and the city centre can expect localised road closures to facilitate events, and temporary rolling road closures by Garda Motorcycle escorts on the afternoon and evening of Thursday, 2 July 2026, and in the morning and early afternoon of Friday, 3 July 2026. The public are asked to comply with Gardaí on duty in the event of encountering any escort rolling road closure.
Members of the College will arrive and depart at Cork Airport. Normal operations will continue at the airport at all times, however travelling members of the public should allow additional time to arrive at the airport due to possible temporary traffic restrictions, particularly during the afternoon of Thursday, 2 July 2026 and the afternoon of Friday, 3 July 2026.
