Michelle Darmody: Summers spent by the barbecue

I know to expect the length of the beautiful summer evenings after 42 years in Ireland, I also know that they gradually, incrementally build up, but each year takes me by surprise.

The sky slowly turning a dusty pink at 10.30pm at night or the fact that you can head to the sea for a dip after eight o’clock to soak up the last of the evening's warmth still fills me with wonder. I think it is my favourite few weeks every year.