Met Éireann has issued a severe weather alert for tomorrow, with stormy conditions forecast for most parts.
The agency said an area of low pressure moving in across Ireland from the Atlantic would bring strong gale force winds from tomorrow afternoon.
Winds of up to 120 km/hrcan be expected, with gusts of up to 140 km/h forecast for some of the more exposed parts of Connacht and Ulster.
The winds are likely to lead to some structural damage and will be accompanied by high seas on Atlantic coasts, the agency warned.
£We expect very blustery conditions during the middle of tomorrow, especially in northern and western parts,” said Gerald Fleming, head of forecasting in Met Éireann.
Winds would moderate considerably towards dawn on Friday, he said.
The Road Safety Authority warned motorists to take extra care while driving and to watch out for vehicles veering in the strong winds. It also cautioned drivers to beware of falling debris or objects being blow onto the road in the blustery conditions.
The authority warned pedestrians and cyclists to exercise particular caution when crossing the road or passing near traffic as a gust could blow them into traffic.
Stena Line has cancelled its scheduled 1.15pm ferry sailing from Dún Laoghaire to Holyhead tomorrow due to adverse conditions in the Irish Sea. The company said vehicles and passengers could be accommodated on sailings from Dublin Port.
Clare County Council urged homeowners and business proprietors to take precautionary steps in view of the weather alert.
The council said it is "progressing contingency arrangements" in terms of additional pumping capacity and other flood alleviation measures.
Ennis town manager Ger Dollard said river levels have increased significantly over the past two weeks and the council is continually monitoring the situation.