Temperatures are expected to plunge as low as -3 degrees overnight as Met Eireann has issued a status yellow weather warning.
The Low Temperature/Ice warning for all of Ireland will be in effect from 6pm on Thursday until 11am on Friday.
“Very cold with widespread frost and ice as temperatures fall to -3 degrees or below in many areas.”
The coldest temperatures in Galway will be inland, while many coastal areas will see lowest temperatures of 0 to -1 degrees tonight.
This frost has the potential to create hazardous travelling conditions and animal welfare issues.
Met Eireann has also forecast snow and sleet developing this weekend, with a weather advisory for all of Saturday and Sunday.
A spell of rain will spread northwards over Ireland during the course of Saturday, turning to sleet and snow in some areas.
Rain, sleet and snow will continue for a time on Sunday before clearing eastwards into the Irish Sea.
Significant accumulations of snow are likely in some counties which may cause travel disruptions.
Galway and Ireland are headed into a sharp cold snap with the new year, as temperatures are expected to continue to fall and get much colder next week.
