Met Éireann has issued a severe weather warning for the Christmas period, saying hail, sleet and snow is likely in many areas.
The Meteorlogical Service says the weather will turn very cold across Ireland through Christmas Eve and remain very cold through Christmas Day and St Stephens Day.
It forecast strong northwest winds would bring wintry showers across the country.
Each weekend night will bring a sharp or severe frost, it added.
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Motorists were also warned there will be a high risk of icy patches developing on the roads across the country.
Early indications suggested that the weather would become mild again late on St Stephen's Day.