Snow covers the north and west

Met Eireann have issued an ice and snow warning as freezing fog and flurries of snow plagued parts of the country.

Worst-hit areas were the border counties, Connacht and north Leinster, where snow fell overnight.

A gale warning was also issued on coasts from Rossan Point to Howth Head to Roches Point and for the Irish Sea.

Met Eireann said milder conditions were due to sweep across the country this evening with temperatures rising to between 4C and 9C.

The outlook for the next three days is for cold, windy and showery conditions with daytime temperatures ranging between 5C and 9C.

Hazardous road conditions early this morning resulted in a number of minor car crashes.

In Co Cork there were a series of accidents on the N22 Ballincollig bypass.

A garda spokesman said that at around 8am, at the height of the morning rush-hour, rain fell on the ice-covered road, causing cars to skid and drivers to lose control.

No injuries were reported.

A minor road in the area was also closed after a tree fell during strong winds, gardaí said.

AA Roadwatch warned motorists of dangerous driving conditions throughout the State, particularly in the north-west.

The main N56 Killybegs to Donegal road was impassable due to snow.

Icy conditions were reported on all approach roads into Sligo town on the N4, N15, N16 and N17 and the AA advised extreme care.

Early-morning commuters coming into Galway were faced with long queues backing up as far as four miles (6km) on the N17.

Extra caution was advised in the mountainous areas of Co Wicklow after a fresh fall of snow, while in Co Cork the Leamlara to Carrigtwohill road was impassable due to flooding.

Public transport services were not disrupted, however.

A spokeswoman for the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) said all flights were running to schedule, and Iarnrod Eireann rail services were also not affected.