Wintry and cold conditions together with sporadic hail, sleet and snow showers are expected to last until Sunday, according to Met Éireann.
Yesterday, which marked the last day of winter on the meteorological calendar, saw scattered snow, sleet and hail showers nationwide, with lowest temperatures dipping to -2 degrees last night. Although today is the first day of spring in weather terms, wintry showers will persist, with heaviest falls and snow accumulation expected in areas of Connacht and Ulster.
It is expected to be drier and sunnier towards the south and southeast of the country this afternoon, but freezing temperatures and frosty conditions are predicted again for tonight.
From tomorrow onwards, the weather will remain cold and frosty and sub-zero temperatures, severe frosts and risk of icy roads are expected to last until Sunday.
Pat Clarke of Met Éireann said that despite present conditions, Ireland had endured a very mild and dry winter, despite predictions by British forecasters of a bad winter. He added that with snow accumulating on high ground and freezing conditions expected, roads could be dangerous in the coming days.
Last night, AA Roadwatch warned motorists that the snow and very low temperatures forecast could result in treacherous road conditions.
Motorists have been advised to take particular care when driving overnight and in the early hours of the morning.
Extra time should be allowed for all journeys and motorists should remain vigilant for black ice and frost on roads.
Emma Caulfield of AA Roadwatch warned that motorists should be on the look-out for potential skid traps and reduce speed as soon as one is noticed.
Arctic weather conditions inclusive of icy blasts are also being experienced in most of Britain this week, with warnings of severe weather conditions being issued by the UK's meteorological office.
Forecasters expect temperatures to plunge to lows of -6 degrees, with parts of Scotland expected to experience blizzards, drifting snow and heavy snow today. In southern England, last December and January marked the coldest winter for nine years.
Further snow showers over Scotland, along England's east coast and in parts of southern England are expected to continue until the weekend.
Other parts of Europe, including Belgium, Denmark and Switzerland also experienced heavy snowfall yesterday.