Dullest January in almost 50 years for some parts of sun-starved country

Some parts of Ireland endured the dullest January in almost half a century, experts have revealed.

Sunshine was in shorter supply than usual at the start of the year, with below average levels recorded at weather stations throughout Ireland.

Dublin was particularly drab, according to Met Éireann’s station at Casement Aerodrome, with less than 25 hours of sunshine during the entire month — making it the capital’s dullest January since 1964.

In the West, Knock experienced its dullest January for 16 years.

Most parts of the country also experienced more rainfall than normal for the time of year, with the exception of pockets of the North-West and the Midlands.

Dublin was again among the worst-hit areas, with incessant downpours making it the capital’s rainiest January — based on the number of days it rained — since 1980 and its wettest in five years, based on the amount of rainfall.

Weather stations in the Midlands and the West also reported the wettest January in five years.

It rained 26 out of the 31 days in Kerry, while Claremorris in Mayo had nearly double its average rainfall for January.

While it was wet throughout the country, there were mixed fortunes in terms of temperatures.

Most areas along the southern Atlantic coast experienced a milder than normal month, while the majority of areas in the Midlands, North, and East reported below average temperatures.

Picture: Twins Jamie and Brianna O’Dea with their mother Regina and cousin Katie Connole from Lisdoonvarna at St Bridgid’s Well, Liscannor, Co Clare, on the saint’s feast day and first day of spring yesterday. Picture: Eamon Ward