Drivers in Sligo would be forgiven for wondering if Santa has lost his reindeer today, AA Roadwatch said today.
Loose deer were spotted by motorists 1km south of Grange at Munnaine Woods today and the Garda urged extreme caution.
Meanwhile, ferry services have witnessed an upsurge in bookings today as travellers face delays or flight cancellations due to ongoing bad weather conditions at British airports.
Irish Ferries confirmed it has seen a rise in late bookings from passengers travelling to Ireland from Britain, concerned that their flights might not operate.
The company said it expects its scheduled services on Dublin/Holyhead and Rosslare/Pembroke routes to operate without interruption up to and including Christmas Eve.
Irish airports are operating as normal. Dublin airport will handle more than a million passengers between now and January 5th.
Passengers have been urged to familiarise themselves with new security regulations in relation to carrying liquids.
Traffic is extremely congested in some towns and cities today, mostly due to a pre-Christmas shopping rush. Many motorists will be on the move later this evening and buses and train services are also expected to be busy.
In Navan, Co Meath, there were tailbacks of up to 2km on each side of the town due to a Christmas market, AA Roadwatch said. Gardai will be on point duty later as further delays are expected.
It is also extremely congested in Limerick, Waterford, and in Cork, particularly around Douglas.
There are also some delays southbound through Gorey.