Ireland’s ancient weather patterns and what they mean for future storms

Climate change is shaking up the forces that drive our weather, and we’re heading into unknown territory. And if Ireland’s stormy past has taught us anything, it’s that we need to be ready for whatever the future holds

Huge waves pounding the shore at Garrettstown, County Cork, during Storm Agnes. Picture: Denis Minihane.

Let’s be honest, if there’s one thing you can always count on in Ireland, it’s the weather. And by 'count on' I mean it will likely change three times before you finish reading this article.

But as chaotic as it might seem, predicting storms is even trickier. The reason? The science behind storminess (yes, that’s a real word!) is more complicated than you’d expect, and when you toss climate change into the mix, things get even murkier.