The summer is officially over and the forecast weather appears to match the prevaling national mood as the country faces an uncertain economic future.
While the summer malaise has stretched well into the ninth month in previous years, this time around it looks like its straight down to business.
The weather gods seem in more sanguine mood with the sun shining throughout the week, but this weekend fresh winds and occasional showers hint at a return to the autumn weather we are more accustomed to.
Average temperatures of 17 degrees are predicted with winds of up to 30 mph on Saturday. But Sunday is forecast to see plenty of rain and gusts of up to 60 mph. Perhaps it's a good omen for the economy: after all, it's a chill wind that blows no good.
With the music festival season all but over, and the summer games of the Gaelic variety taking a break ahead of the big finals later this month, soccer is the centerpiece occasion this weekend.
Ireland take on the Russians at Lansdowne Road on Saturday afternoon in match that could make or break manager Brian Kerr's European Championships ambitions. Traffic restrictions around Ballsbridge will be in effect from around noon until 5.30.
Cork keeps the music festival flag flying with the folk festival showcasing over 200 musicians, singers and entertainers for a full gamut of concerts and ceilis.Night-time traffic around rebel county capital will be heavier than usual as a consequence.
Apart from that, there is little in terms of extra congestion for motorists to worry about, although AA Roadwatch have been warning that a heavy downfall of rain over the weekend will make roads particularly slippy after such a long dry spell.