Temperatures are expected to climb this weekend as they hit some of the highest levels this year, writes Tim O'Brien
Gardaí have renewed calls to motorists to drive safely, and transport authorities have advised people, especially those leaving Dublin, to allow extra travel time.
According to Met Éireann, temperatures could rise to 17C inland. Any lingering frost and fog will clear this morning, resulting in a dry warm day with good sunny spells.
The weather will continue mostly dry over the next few days, but there is a warning that cool conditions on Saturday night could result in some fog and frost developing.
Tonight will be cool and quite misty with fog developing in places, and ground frost when skies are clear.
Good weather is expected again in many areas tomorrow, with values reaching the mid to high teens. Cloudier conditions are expected for a time on Monday, especially in northern areas, with rain likely for a time.
Dublin Airport Authority has reported that 330,000 people are expected to travel over the long weekend. A spokeswoman said new restrictions on liquids could cause delays for many people at security, and she urged passengers intending to use Dublin, Cork and Shannon airports to check with www.dublinairport.com to view the new regulations before they travel.
Passenger numbers are up 9 per cent on the same period last year, with 2,080 flights due in and out of the airport this weekend.
Gardaí and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) have said the Bank Holiday weekend has traditionally been a time when the number of people killed on the roads rises significantly.
The authorities warned drivers to be aware of the dangers posed by fog, pointing out that fog lights should be used but that drivers should turn these bright lights off when the fog has cleared.
Gardaí and the RSA also appealed to drivers to slow down and never drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
More than 300,000 people are also expected to use Iarnród Éireann's Inter-city rail services between now and Monday night, with similar numbers expected to use Bus Éireann services.
A charity cycle is under way from Malin Head, finishing up in Mizen Head on Easter Sunday. With more then 50 cyclists and a back-up team of 30 vehicles taking part, motorists are advised to slow down on approaching the cycle.
A second charity cycle with some 20 cyclists will leave Salthill today, taking the coast road through Westport, Sligo, Donegal and Derry to Belfast. On Sunday it travels to Cavan, Kells, Carlow, Shillelagh and finishes in Aughrim, Co Wicklow.
All ferry sailings are expected to run normally over the weekend but due to on-going roadworks in and around Dublin city and port, passengers are also advised to allow extra time when travelling.