TODAY, IRELAND WOKE up to a dusting of snow on its rooftops, roads and fields, that is really helping to instill that festive spirit in all of us.

Image uploaded from iOS Lisburn, Co Antrim.

As forecast by Met Éireann, temperatures plummeted overnight and are predicted to stay frosty over the weekend.

Today, a Status Orange weather warning was announced for 17 counties, which is expected to bring a significant amount of snowfall on Saturday and Sunday night.

Tonight, temperatures are expected to stay between 0 and 4 degrees.

SNOW ON THE CURRAGH 758A1197_90531566 Eamonn Farrell via RollingNews.ie Blooming furze flowers are covered in snow on the Curragh Plains in Co Kildare. Eamonn Farrell via RollingNews.ie

Notwithstanding it being unbearable cold… the snow does make a pretty picture.

Here are a few examples…

Wicklow 2 A view of the Wicklow mountains this morning.

SNOW ON THE CURRAGH 758A1053_90531555 Eamonn Farrell Military Graveyard on the Curragh Plains in Co Kildare. Eamonn Farrell

A military exercise scheduled for today was executed as planned – in the freezing and frosty conditions.

SNOW ON THE CURRAGH 758A0970_90531545 (1) Eamonn Farrell via RollingNews.ie Eamonn Farrell via RollingNews.ie

Meanwhile, despite the west being known for its wild weather, Galway escaped today unscathed from the snowfall elsewhere.

Galway seems to be the only county avoiding the snow at the minute! How long will that last?
Galway Tourism #LoveGalway #FatFreddys pic.twitter.com/Rz4n3YG5EB
— Fat Freddy's Galway (@FatFreddys_) December 8, 2017

Fat Freddy's Galway / Twitter

Motorists are being warned to be extra vigilant this weekend, and looking at these videos from Donegal, you can see why.

Hail and snow currently in Milford, Donegal #weather #Ireland @DonegalWeatherC @barrabest @highlandradio pic.twitter.com/UuiKjce1D2
— Donna Martin (@DonnaMartin03) December 8, 2017

Donna Martin / Twitter

The first real snow of winter in Donegal this morning. Roads okay with a little extra care. @DonegalWeatherC @newslineweather @visit_donegal pic.twitter.com/ObqrKuHxcF
— Harry Walsh (@HarryWalsh65) December 8, 2017

Harry Walsh / Twitter

In Northern Ireland, the snowy scenes were even more extreme.

Winter weather Dec 8th 2017 Brian Lawless via PA Images People go sledding on the grounds of Stormont Estate, Belfast. Brian Lawless via PA Images

Winter weather Dec 8th 2017 Brian Lawless via PA Images Horses in a field in Cloughoge, Newry. Brian Lawless via PA Images

Winter postcard scene in Dromore, County Down. Photo from Paul McFarland. #IrlSnow #Sneachta pic.twitter.com/qOrBCGixGv
— Barra Best (@barrabest) December 7, 2017

Barra Best / Twitter

Winter weather Dec 8th 2017 Mark Marlow via PA Images Ponies stand in a snow-covered field that straddles the Irish border between Fermanagh and Donegal. Mark Marlow via PA Images

But between the snow, the Brexit agreement, and the fact that it’s Friday – it’s been a very beautiful day.

Gráinne Ní Aodha Roundwood, Co Wicklow. Gráinne Ní Aodha

Read: ‘Orange alert’ warning: Significant falls of snow due in 17 counties this weekend

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