‘Enjoy holidays, but stay safe in the sun’

DON’T get caught out in the sun — that was the message yesterday to thousands of holiday-makers gearing up for their summer breaks at home or abroad.

Irish people are particularly vulnerable to sunburn especially those with pale or freckled skin. To stay safe in the sun, we're being encouraged to slip on a T-shirt, slap on a hat and slop on the sunscreen, even if it seems overcast.

"From April to September the sun's rays are particularly damaging, especially between 1pm and 3pm. A tan is a sign that damaged skin is trying to protect itself and a tan will not prevent further burning," a spokesperson for the South Eastern Health Board said.