Flying high: gales and heavy winds forecast as west and north set to bear brunt of storms

Met Éireann has forecast heavy rain and extreme winds over the New Year weekend, with gales of over 120km/h (75mph) expected in some places

Forecaster Vincent O'Shea said it would be a "rather tempestuous" weekend, with a dry night to be followed tomorrow by blustery gales and heavy rain, particularly in Connacht and Ulster.

"It will be the west and north that will bear the brunt of the heaviest rain and strongest winds, and it could pose problems for areas in the west that haven't dried up after the recent floods," he said.

New Year's Day will turn cold with sunshine and showers.

Meanwhile, the annual New Year's Day parade, involving marching bands from Ireland and the US, will take place in Dublin on Monday.

Most bus and rail services will run to a normal Sunday schedule tomorrow and on Monday.

Normal Bus Éireann Saturday timetables will apply today, but all Bus Éireann/Eurolines cross-channel services for tomorrow are cancelled. With some exceptions, a normal Sunday timetable will operate tomorrow and on Monday. Due to weather conditions on the Irish Sea, all Stena Line HSS sailings on the Dún Laoghaire to Holyhead route are in doubt. Intending passengers should call Ferrycheck on 01-2047799 for information.