LIFE’S A BEACH
Country set to bake on the hottest day of the year
Ireland is heading for another sizzler today with temperatures of up to 28C forecast.
Beaches and coastal areas will be thronged again for what could be the hottest spell of the year.
It follows highs of up to 27C yesterday when thousands soaked up the rays across the country.
At Portmarnock Beach, Ailish Meaney said: “It’s going great and it’s been a good day... I’m loving it.”
It’s a lovely beach and the water’s warm... it’s brilliant FIDELMA BELLISSIMO
IRELAND sizzled as temperatures soared to a sweltering 27C yesterday and the country is set to bake all weekend.
Tens of thousands of people the length and breadth of the country flocked to beaches, parks and lakes to soak up the rays on the hottest day of the year so far.
And another stampede is expected today with temperatures predicted to rise to a Mediterranean-like 28C.
There was heavy traffic on the M7 and M4 and all major roads out of the capital and other big cities as seasides and beauty spots were crammed.
Sun-worshippers swarmed around coastal areas from Donegal to Cork.
The hottest parts of the country were Mount Dillon in Co Roscommon where the mercury peaked at 27.1C and Oak Park in Co Carlow where 26.4C was recorded.
Dubliners converged on Portmarnock Beach in their thousands as adults and kids enjoyed a refreshing dip in the water.
Children and teens used paddleboards and inflatables to stay afloat and cool down as their parents relaxed and sunbathed nearby.
Paul Orzekauskas, wife Olga and children Orlando, nine, and eight-year-old Ornetas were having fun on the beach and the kids were taking turns to bury themselves in the sand.
Paul said: “It’s amazing here, I didn’t want to come at first and Olga dragged me out and we’re having a great time.”
Olga added: “It’s a holiday atmosphere. We were arguing about what beach to go to and I really like it here, it’s great for kids. We live nearby in Swords and we said why not make the most of the day.”
Ailish Meaney, from Malahide, said: “It’s going great and it’s been a good day and I’m loving it.
“Hopefully I won’t get any sunburn. I’m a teacher and I’m off for the summer and just enjoying the weather.
“It’s a bit weird this summer, there isn’t much to be doing other than staying at home, so trying to make the most of it while the weather is good.”
Elsewhere on the beach, Izzy Leamy, four, was busy building sandcastles as her mum Clonny
PORTMARNOCK YESTERDAY
watched on. The proud mother, from Drumcondra, added: “She was with Brain Tumour Ireland the last time she got photos done.
“She’s actually a sick child but she’s on the mend. Izzy still has a brain tumour but this is the first time we’re actually getting to enjoy the sunshine because she’s well.
“She was undergoing chemotherapy there for two years. There isn’t a bother on her now, she’s happy out and she’s doing really well. The weather is fabulous.”
Fidelma Bellissimo was enjoying the sun with kids Eve, five, Maya, three, and nine-month-old Liam.
She travelled from the Loughrea area of Co Galway to Dublin yesterday and said: “It’s Liam’s first time to the beach this summer
“We’re flying off on Saturday, we’re going to see family in Canada.
“So we’re lucky. It’s been fabulous and gorgeous here in Portmarnock today. It’s a lovely beach and the water’s warm and it’s a brilliant day out.”
Matthew Martin of Met Eireann revealed sun-worshippers can expect more glorious weather all weekend. He said: “It will be staying warm and settled.
“There will be similar temperatures on Saturday, but it might get up to 27C or 28C in some local spots. Generally speaking, it will range from 24C to 26C.
“On Sunday it will be much the same. There might just be a little bit of cloud around on Sunday, particularly towards north Ulster.
“But elsewhere another dry, warm and mostly sunny day.
“The highest temperature on Sunday will probably be further south, around inland Munster.”
Mr Martin, who said Monday and Tuesday also look plesant, added: “Into next week its staying warm and mostly settled with temperatures still getting into the mid-20s.”