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Planning for Dublin Visit while trying to avoid Pope Crowds

Hello all - I’m flying into Dublin from Paris with my girlfriend the weekend of August 25. My flight is set to arrive 22:40 on Saturday August 25. It turns out the Pope is scheduled to visit Dublin that same weekend. ¯_(ツ)_/¯

http://www.irishrail.ie/popes-mass-phoenix-park-train-services

I had no idea this was happening when I originally booked my vacation and I’m not religious so the idea of seeing the Pope isn’t on my bucket list.

Does anyone have a read for what the atmosphere will be like in Dublin that weekend? Part of me wants to embrace the event but a bigger part of me wants a relaxed weekend in Dublin where I’m not worried about road closures, price hikes, and large crowds.
What do you think of the idea of taking the train to Galway straight-away and working my way back to Dublin the following weekend instead? The train station is near Phoenix Park though and I’m worried it will be an absolute mess to get down there to set off.
Any advice would be much appreciated!

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Take the direct bus from Dublin Airport to Galway. Should be faster than heading into the city and getting a train. Citylink and Gobus used to ply that route.