Flash floods after heavy rain washes over parts of country

Heavy rain has hit parts of the country this afternoon but in the capital it has resulted in flooding at Malahide village, north Co Dublin.

Malahide Castle and Gardens announced that the Avoca food hall and cafe on the grounds of the 12th century castle would close for the remainder of the day due to flash floods, though Malahide Castle and Visitor Centre were "unaffected" and would remain open.

Ireland Women's Cricket team said heavy rain falling on the Malahide outfield had left the team with "very wet ground" and that match officials will undertake a formal inspection later this afternoon. The team were due to play against the Netherlands.

Reports of “loud thunder” and lightning flashes were noted alongside the rain.

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Met Éireann issued an advisory for thunderstorms which is in place until Thursday this week.

A spokeswoman said the very warm air that brought Ireland a heat wave this week has been replaced by a less warm and unstable air mass, with heavy and thundery showers expected.

Considerable amounts of rain could fall in a short time in the heaviest showers, leading to spot flooding and hazardous driving conditions.

It was difficult to forecast the exact locations of these thundery showers, so the public is advised to keep an eye on the latest forecasts and warnings.