'Heat islands' in Cork up to 15C warmer than other parts of the city

A public walkway on Little Island in Cork Harbour where temperatures can be significantly warmer than their surrounding rural areas due to human activities.

Those in Cork's Penrose Wharf, Hollyhill, or Little Island in the height of summer season are not imagining it if they are feeling hotter than most.

According to newly released data, the commercial and industrial heartlands of Cork, along with Midleton and Rushbrooke in Cobh, are more prone to the so-called "urban heat island" effect than the rest of the city and county — sometimes up to 15C hotter.