Last night was the coldest for a decade in some parts of the country, according to Met Éireann. While there have been few cancellations of weekend events as yet, travellers and supporters are advised to check ahead before travelling.
Ground temperatures in some areas dropped to as low as minus 16, while air temperatures reached minus eight. Weather stations and roadside stations once again recorded Birr, Co Offaly, as the coldest place in the country.
Met Eireann forecaster Gerald Fleming said the cold snap will continue until Sunday. He said: "Our weather station in Birr registered minus 5C last night, while others in Kilkenny, Shannon and Monaghan went as low as minus 3C.
"The last time it was as cold was in Christmas and New Year period in 1995/1996." Road conditions remain dangerous, especially in parts of western Connacht, Munster and the Midlands, as a result of freezing conditions and snowfall in some parts overnight.
Tonight will also be bitterly cold again with temperatures again falling as low as minus 6C in places. Icy stretches are likely on many roads. Met Éireann has forecast sleet and snow showers in the north and west regions for later today.
Severe frost is expected to clear gradually throughout the day, while showers of sleet and snow in the north and west are likely to become widespread.
Temperatures will reach between two and five degrees in light winds, and this evening will be "bitterly cold" with hard frost.
Travel advice for the weekend is to check conditions with Met Éireann ahead of travelling and to drive with care.
There have been few cancellations of weekend sporting fixtures as yet, however the best advice would also be to check ahead of travelling.
The weekend is offering a packed sporting schedule with the Irish schools Cross Country Championships taking place at DCU tomorrow.
Ballymoney host Old Alexandra in the women's hockey Irish Senior Cup Quarter Finals on Saturday and at the other end of the country, Church of Ireland take on Dublin outfit Hermes at Garryduff in Co Cork.
The Celtic League resumes with Ulster taking on a weakened Munster at a snowy Ravenhill tonight. Leinster take on underdogs Connacht at Donnybrook on Sunday.
The pick of the weekend's GAA action will see Kerry taking on Fermanagh in Killarney with throw-in at 2.30 and a resurgent Dublin team take on Offaly under lights at Parnell Park at 7.45 tomorrow night.
On Sunday afternoon, Tyrone take on Cork in Omagh, Monaghan take on Mayo at Clontibret, Meath play Laois at Páirc Tailteann and Armagh play Galway at Crossmaglen. Check http://www.ireland.com/sports/gaa/fixtures/ for further fixtures and details of matches.