Boat owners in West Cork have been warned to take care in coming days as strong winds are expected.

Met Éireann has issued a small craft warning for coastal areas all across Ireland, coming into effect today at 4pm and continuing until Friday at 1am. Southwesterly winds will reach force six, with speeds of 22 to 27 knots expected.

A second small craft warning comes into effect from Friday at 1am to Saturday at 7pm, with west to northwest winds reaching force six or higher at times.