Met Eireann has issued a RED weather alert for the North West of the country.
Its the highest level of alert.
The warning has been issued as a result of a storm containing high winds which is expected to make landfall off Galway, Mayo and Donegal later this afternoon.
Met Eireann says gusts of up to 150 Kilometres an hour can be expected.
The Coast Guard is advising the public not to go out on exposed coasts, cliffs, piers or beaches as huge waves can be whipped up by the high seas.
Manager of the Irish Coast Guard, Declan Geoghegan said: "It is important to be especially vigilant over the festive period where people are engaged in outdoor activities in areas and environments they may not be familiar with and the onset of inclement weather ever present.”
Specific advice from the Coast Guard is:
• The public is advised to stay away from the shoreline and to avoid engaging in water sports
• Do not venture out unnecessarily when gale force conditions are forecast
• Avoid exposed coasts, cliff paths and coastal areas during inclement weather this week
• Owners of small vessels and fishing vessels in coastal waters should seek shelter and secure them properly with moorings.
The Cliffs of Moher visitor centre in Co Clare has also been closed due to the weather warning.
Pat Clarke is a forecaster with Met Eireann
