If you go down to the beach

WHEN the sun is shining and skies are blue is there a nicer place to be than the beach? Even if there’s only a mild hope of a favourable weather, we flock to the seaside.

You see it especially when the odd good day comes during a poor-weather summer when places like Inchydoney, Co Cork, and Ballybunion, Co Kerry, can be deserted for weeks in July, or August. But, a hint of sunshine can suddenly lure out the bucket and spade brigade in their thousands.

Ireland is maintaining its position as one of the leading northern European countries for overall bathing water quality, with 94% of our beaches meeting new and stricter standards introduced by the EU.