GALLERY: Remembering the Beast from the East

Five years ago this week, the last major snowstorm in Ireland - the 'Beast from the East' - brought the entire country to a standstill.

Rural parts of Westmeath 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.

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.