Met Éireann this morning issued a severe weather warning, predicting gale to storm-force winds on all sea areas today and later tonight.
The gale force winds will gust up to storm force during the day - especially across the north and west, where showers will be frequent and squally later.
The winds may reach violent storm force for a time on coasts from Rossan Point to Malin Head to Fair Head.
AA Roadwatch has warned motorists to be particularly careful of high winds on roads across the country.
Derry's Foyle Bridge was closed earlier due to strong winds, and two Irish Ferries sailings from Dublin to Holyhead at 12.15pm and 17.30pm have been cancelled due to weather conditions.
But there was no major delays to report into Dublin, Cork or Shannon airports, and all Irish rail services are running to schedule.
The weather for the weekend is expected to remain cool and breezy with further blustery showers but winds are forecast to ease late on Saturday.
Met Éireann said Saturday night will be cold with some frost forming, but Sunday will then turn into a bright crisp day with a mix of sunny spells and cloud, and it will be mainly dry.
The sporting front this weekend is dominated by the visit of the New Zealand rugby team to Lansdowne Road on Saturday.
Ireland have never beaten the All Blacks, and the 2.30pm match is a sell-out so expect delays in and around the Ballsbridge area.
