Met Eireann has issued a weather warning for all coastal areas as strong winds and heavy showers sweep across the country this afternoon.
The southeast, south and west coasts are worst affected, with west to southwest winds expected to reach average speeds of 60 to 75 kilometres per hour, with possible damaging gusts of up to 130 kilometres per hour in places.
Dublin, Louth, Wicklow and Meath will also experience high winds of up to 65 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching 110 kilometres per hour in coastal areas later this evening.
Heavy showers will be widespread across the country this afternoon and evening, some thundery and with hail.
Strong winds will continue for much of the night, before easing gradually towards morning. Temperatures will drop to between 2 and 6 degrees.
AA Roadwatch has advised motorists to reduce their speed and watch out for fallen debris. High-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable on open or exposed roads.
Tomorrow morning will be bright with sunny spells and some scattered showers, mainly in coastal counties of Connacht and Ulster. Persistent rain will spread across Munster and south Leinster in the afternoon, heaviest in the southwest.
The unsettled weather is expected to continue into next week.
