Ireland has been gripped by a cold snap which is set to continue into the weekend and there’s a useful tip to stay safe if you do find yourself out and about
Zahna Eklund Senior Social News Reporter
11:53, 09 Jan 2026
A cold snap has gripped Ireland this week (stock image)(Image: )
2026 has gotten off to a chilly start, with snow and ice resulting in school closures and travel disruption across Ireland this week.
Temperatures are set to change significantly by early next week, but not before another warning for all six counties in Northern Ireland and the threat of snow, thunderstorms and freezing temperatures elsewhere this weekend.
Snow and ice can make surfaces slippery, and it’s often advised that you don’t go outside unless you absolutely need to, reports The Mirror.
This is because driving on icy roads can be incredibly dangerous, as you may lose control of your vehicle, and even walking can be tricky, as your feet can slip out from underneath you.
However, if you do need to pop to a shop for essentials or you want to help your child build a snowman in the garden, there is a handy trick you can use to stop your feet from slipping on icy pavements.
In a video shared on TikTok by a life hacks account, it was claimed that to help your shoes keep their grip when conditions are slippery outside, it’s worth simply placing a pair of socks over the top.
The man in the video demonstrated the hack by first walking outside his house in his regular trainers. His feet immediately slipped as soon as he left his house, and he had to hold onto the handrail as he made his way down the steps so that he didn’t fall as his feet tried to find any sort of traction.
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Making his way back inside, the man then pulled an old pair of socks over his shoes and went to try the same walk again.
This time, his feet didn’t slip at all on the snow immediately outside his house, and when he made his way down the steps to the pavement below, he was able to walk completely normally with no fear of skidding.
In the comments, the man clarified he had been wearing “regular tube socks” that were “nothing special” to test out the hack. Tube socks are socks without a shaped heel that are often used for athletics and are usually made from either cotton or synthetic materials.
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Commenters on the video were blown away by the hack, as many said they had no idea that a solution for slipping in the snow was sitting in their house this whole time. Others who were aware of the hack insisted it definitely works, with some claiming they used it all the time when walking to school in the winter as kids.
One person said: “I wish I had known this years ago!” Another added: “I have to walk on ice to get to my car, and I’m so scared. I’m about to try this.”
While a third backed the trick, stating: “I did that as a child to walk to school.”
A Reddit forum also discussed this same hack in December. While many people there noted the hack does work, they said you’ll burn through your sock supply pretty quickly as the socks are more likely to get holes in them when used in this way and “don’t last long”.
Tips to stay safe outside during snow and ice
It is advised that you stay at home where possible when there is snow and ice on the roads and pavements outside. But if you must make a journey, consider the following safety tips:
1. Dress appropriately
Wear layers: Use moisture-wicking base layers, insulating middle layers, and a waterproof outer layer.Cover extremities: Wear a warm hat, scarf, gloves/mittens, and thick socks.Waterproof boots: Choose boots with good traction to prevent slipping.
2. Walk carefully
Take small steps and walk slowly.Keep your hands out of your pockets for balance.Use handrails when available.Walk on designated paths and avoid shortcuts.
Pictured people walking in the Blessington Basin in Dublin during heavy snow (Image: Sam Boal/Collins Photos)
3. Prevent slips and falls
Use sand or salt on icy steps and walkways.Wear shoes or boots with non-slip soles.Consider using ice grips or cleats on your footwear.
4. Be prepared
Carry a fully-charged phone.Let someone know your route and expected arrival time.Carry a small emergency kit (torch, snacks, water, hand warmers).
5. Be cautious when driving
Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle before driving.Drive slowly and increase following distance.Keep an emergency kit in your car.
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