Sean Costello Street, Athlone, on the afternoon of February 28, 2018.

PHOTOS: The 'Beast from the East' five years ago this week

Published:
Last updated:

The last major snowstorm in Ireland - the 'Beast from the East' - got underway five years ago today, on February 28, 2018.

Rural parts of Westmeath and Roscommon were particularly affected by the dramatic weather event, which closed schools and caused the cancellation of numerous sporting, social and community functions.

Several red-level weather alerts were issued by Met Éireann for the storm, officially named 'Storm Emma', and this resulted in the cancellation of transport services and the closure of supermarkets and many other businesses.

Footprints in the snow in Glasson, five years ago this week. Photo: Noelle Grouden.

The cold spell lasted from February 28 to March 4, with temperatures in many areas staying below freezing during the day as bitterly cold easterly winds swept over the country.

Here are some other local images from that week.

The front page of the Westmeath Independent just before the storm arrived.
A snowy scene at Kilteevan, County Roscommon.
Another image from Glasson during the storm. Photo: Noelle Grouden.
Adrian Cusack
    Published:
    Last updated: