What is the highest temperature ever seen in Ireland? 

Ireland is highly unusual in that the hottest recorded temperature occurred in the 19th century, as opposed to other countries which have shattered their records in recent decades. File picture: Eddie O'Hare

With Met Éireann issuing a high temperature warning for the weekend, the mercury is set to hit highs of close to 30C over the coming days.

That brings us within touching distance of the all-time Irish high of 33.3C, set in Kilkenny Castle in 1887.