A yellow weather warning for wind has been issued for parts of the country on Thursday as the Irish Coast Guard urged people to stay away from exposed coastal and cliff areas.
Met Éireann is predicting unseasonably strong winds in counties Clare, Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Kerry and Cork.
The weather warning will stay in place until Thursday afternoon.
South to southeast winds, which will veer southwest, will reach average speeds of 40-50 km/h. Gusts of up to 90 km/h are also predicted.
The wind will be strongest in coastal areas, as well as on exposed and higher terrain. Very rough seas are forecast.
“The public are advised to stay away from exposed beaches, cliffs and piers, harbour walls and promenades,” the Irish Coast Guard warned.
The severe weather conditions will coincide with spring tides and rough to high seas.
This means wave overtopping could occur, and hazardous coastal conditions are likely, according to the Coast Guard.
If a member of the public sees anyone in difficulty, they should call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.