Isn't one a result of the other...? 
We've no snow here in Ireland. Apparently we've had the coldest winter here since '63 or '64... Panic ensues when a few flakes fall or rain pools as we're not used to extremes of one or the other. I remember more snow back in '82 but it wasn't as cold then.
looks like a nice sunny day when you took the pic? Does it help in defrosting any of the snow?
Where in Ireland are you located? I visited there in 2002. I had a great time, We went to Dingle, Kinsale, Kilkenny, Slade an some other places. It was such a beautiful place. I'm hoping to make another trip someday.