Temperatures plummet to -5c as country in grip of icy snap

Members of the public brave the snow weather in Clondalkin, Dublin

Temperatures plummeted to -5c overnight and the country can expect the cold to continue with scattered wintry showers today.

Met Eireann report widespread frost this morning, as well as rain on Atlantic coasts falling as sleet or snow further inland.

Met Eireann's forecast for today sees a cold start with frost, ice and wintry showers in places.

The showers will tend to hit the western and northern coastal areas, which will be hit by rain and sleet, while the rest of the country will see brighter and drier conditions.

It will remain very cold for the rest of the week, with frosty nights but mainly dry, with further snow possible on Thursday.

A Mountain Rescue spokesperson called on people heading into the mountains to be "as self-sufficient and as informed as possible".

It had five call-outs so far this year, the latest being a woman who suffered a badly twisted ankle when she was out walking near Crone Wood, in Co Wicklow, last Sunday.

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