Munster fans travelling by ferry to Wales this afternoon for Saturday's rugby clash with Biarittz face disruption because of bad weather.
Met Éireann has issued a gale warning that winds may reach storm force 10 at times on southern and southwestern coasts. It will be extremely windy elsewhere today and tonight.
The warning prompted Irish Ferries to cancel its 12.30 Jonathan Swiftsailing from Dublin to Holyhead. But a spokeswoman for the company said passengers would be accommodated on the larger Ulyssesvessel, which departs at 3pm.
"The Ulyssescan hold up to 2,000 passengers," the spokeswoman added.
Irish Ferries expects to carry some 10,000 Munster rugby fans on its services today and tomorrow. Only its fast-ferry services will be affected, meaning Rosslare sailings will depart on time, the spokeswoman added.
She said they were monitoring the situation for tomorrow when the vast bulk of Munster fans are expected to travel to Wales.
Stena Line cancelled its 6.30pm departure from Dún Laoghaire today. Passengers booked with cars were told to contact the ferry company on 01-2047777 to reschedule their bookings.
Foot passengers will be accommodated from Dublin Port on the Stena Adventurer9.15pm service. A coach transfer from Dún Laoghaire to Dublin port will be provided for foot passengers leaving Dún Laoghaire at 7.30pm. Latest check-in at Dún Laoghaire for foot passengers is 7pm.
Munster take on Biarritz in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium at 3pm on Saturday.
