Children in Athlone have been making the most of the snowy conditions before Storm Emma hits.
Joey Dunne, Peter Lyster and Pip Heavy were making an igloo down on the strand of the River Shannon earlier.
Joey Dunne, Peter Lyster and Pip Healy making an igloo on the strand in Athlone (with a little bit of help) before #StormEmma arrives #BeastFromTheEast #athlone @TodayFMNews @NewstalkFM pic.twitter.com/w370b2ascS
— Gail Conway (@Gailiana) March 1, 2018
7-year-old Joey said: "We just want to build an igloo and, well... we're really just trying to have some fun."
He reported 'pretty good' progress on the igloo front.
The oldest bar in Ireland didn’t open its doors this morning - Sean’s Bar is closed today and until 3pm tomorrow.
Owner Timmy Donovan dropped in earlier for the day’s only delivery, saying: "The weather is very bad as it is, and according to the forecasters we haven't seen the worst of it yet."
Meanwhile, there was some eerily quiet scenes around the rest of the town as residents prepared for Storm Emma:
Kids around the country were also enjoying the snow before the expected blizzard hit
Thanks @TodayFMNews @IanDempsey and @MetEireann for the tip on walking like a penguin in the snow 🙄we didn't get too far - but were safe 😂 #walklikeapenguin #StormEmma #sneachta #beastfromtheast pic.twitter.com/JQUuzshYyl
— Heather Boyle (@Headsboyle) March 1, 2018
The roads and paths were also unusually empty this morning, even in the capital:
Lovely Fairview Park earlier! Lights out at junction with Malahide Rd now and Howth Rd. Take care out there! pic.twitter.com/rI85sK6HLD
— Juliette Gash (@JulietteGash) March 1, 2018
Finally made it home before #StormEmma arrives Well done to everyone @DublinAirport for trying to keep things moving.Stay Safe folks @NewstalkFM @TodayFMNews @98FM pic.twitter.com/h0patEkbSP
— Paul Quinn (@pdquinn7) March 1, 2018
Photos and reporting: Gail Conway
