Sunny skies not set to last
If you didn’t experience any of the above over the weekend, you’ve missed out – for the immediate future anyway as the azure skies and searing sun is not set to continue into the week.
With temperatures topping 26C over the weekend – yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far – the country was transformed into a radiant, glowing place, with thoughts of recession firmly put to one side, the weather putting a smile on every face, a pep in every step.
Ireland even enjoyed temperatures higher than some European hotspots, with Barcelona yesterday recording a high of 23C, Rome 24C, and resorts in Turkey, Athens and Crete only managing temperatures of 21C.
Thousands took to a myriad of sporting events, cultural, music and food festivals around the country over the weekend, and the sweltering sun made the experiences all the most pleasant.
There was something for all tastes, including the Burren Slow Food Festival in Connemara, racing at the Curragh, GAA, cycling competitions from Mizen Head to Malin Head, and another across Galway from Moycullen, to Maam Cross, Maam Valley and Headford.
Africa Day festivities – an official celebration of the founding of the African Union – took place around the country, while at a series of wildlife parks, experts raced against time to see how many species could be recorded in a 24-hour period as part of a special BioBlitz weekend.
Some 542 species were recorded at Connemara National Park, the 2010 champion. Beaches around the country were thronged, and many braved the waters to cool off as the temperatures climbed.
Alas, according to Met Éireann, it will be much cooler today, with temperatures no higher than 14C or 15C – though the south-west may be warming with temperatures reaching the low 20s. Looking further into the week, while most areas will stay dry, there may be a slight risk of isolated showers, most likely in northern counties, but on Thursday, after a dry start rain could become more widespread.
