Ireland shivers as cold snap set to continue

THE economy might be frightful, but outside it was so delightful, as large parts of the country were transformed into a winter wonderland.

In a much-needed break from the economic doom and gloom, children and those still young at heart donned their winter woollies and took to the outdoors as large parts of Leinster, Connacht and Ulster were blanketed in snow.

Over the weekend, night-time temperatures in some parts of the country slumped to a November record low of -9ºC, while parts of the midlands and border areas were blanketed by up to four inches of snow.