Bus-loads of Kildare people on way to see Pope

Up to 500,000 people are expected to attend the papal mass in the Phoenix Park marking the closing of the World Meeting of Families this afternoon.

Gates opened to ticket holders at 8am, many of whom will have to walk up to 7km to get to the Mass site.

Pope Francis is due to arrive at the park around 2.30pm and will do a tour of the mass site in the Popemobile.

The mass will begin at 3pm and last around an hour and 45 minutes.

2,500 gardaí are on duty around the city today - with 700 inside the park and 900 in the direct vicinity outside.

1,600 stewards are also on hand across the city, 1,000 of whom are in the park itself.

7,000 World Meeting of Families volunteers are also helping to direct people to the park.

3,000 people will be singing in the mass choir and 2,000 Ministers of the Eucharist will assist with communion.

1,000 medical staff will also be on duty, including 30 doctors and 30 nurses in the field hospital inside the Phoenix Park.

There will be entertainment on stage in the park to keep the crowd entertained while they wait.