Emergency services were on alert today as Storm Brendan tracked across the country.
People were advised to exercise caution after Met Éireann issued Orange and Yellow wind warnings, with gusts of up to 130 km/h forecast.
The strongest gust measured during the storm was 135 km/h at Roches Point weather station on the south coast.
Due to the risk of coastal flooding, high tides and powerful storm surges, it had also been advised that the public should stay away from exposed coastal areas for the duration of Storm Brendan.
However, videos and images posted on social media showed some individuals defying the warnings by visiting coastal shorelines.
The Irish Coast Guard at Howth in north Dublin investigated reports that people were putting themselves "at risk" during the storm.
Irish Coast Guard at Howth investigated reports of people putting themselves at risk during Storm Brendan. Two 4x4 units spoke to multiple people around the harbour and sea front between Howth and Clontarf. #IrishCoastGuard #StormBrendan pic.twitter.com/ijH2Z5vn5n
— Irish Coast Guard - Howth (@howthcoastguard) January 13, 2020
Two units spoke to several people around the harbour and seafront between Howth and Clontarf today amid powerful gusts and waves.
The rescue service reiterated its message for people not to approach breaking waves during storm conditions.
Across the country, powerful gales hit Galway with sandbags being provided by Galway City Council over fears the tail end of Storm Brendan could bring flooding to the city.
High tide at 7pm led to the Promenade at Salthill being closed to traffic, with Gardaí advising people to avoid the area due to flooding.
Earlier today, footage posted on Twitter showed a man entering the water in Salthill and going for "a dip".
The videos show the man lowering himself into the rough waters as Storm Brendan rages on.
He safely exited the water a short time later.
Nice day for a dip in Salthill Part 1#StormBrendan pic.twitter.com/P88SkaYbkV
— Lord Roddy (@TommyRoddy) January 13, 2020
Nice day for a dip in Salthill Par 2
The swimmer returns safely.#StormBrendan pic.twitter.com/1AE8kWstxv— Lord Roddy (@TommyRoddy) January 13, 2020
Met Éireann had warned that the conditions caused by Storm Brendan "may pose a threat to life and property".
While the storm has largely passed, a Status Orange wind warning is in place for counties Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal until midnight.
