Sunniest September in over 40 years

Valentia in Kerry was the sunniest part of Ireland last month, as the Kerry island had its sunniest September in over 40 years.

According to Met Éireann, Valentia Observatory took the most rays last month, recording over 166 hours of sunshine — the best it has seen since 1972. However, the month’s sunniest day was September 10, in Belmullet in Mayo which recorded 12.3 hours — its sunniest September day since 1969.

For the rest of the country, things fared pretty well also. With monthly rainfall below average everywhere, most weather stations in the south, southwest and west recorded their driest September in 28 years. Malin Head reported just under a quarter of its average rainfall for September — its driest September since in 81 years. Every region also recorded above average temperatures for this time of year. The month’s highest temperature was 23.9C at Shannon Airport on September 4 — its highest since 2004.