Break out the sunnies and slap on the sun cream — Ireland is officially basking in its hottest day of the year so far with some parts of the country warmer than Ibiza!

Highs of 21 degrees can be expected as the warm spell continues, with the West set for a scorcher. So if you’re lucky enough to be near a beach or a park today, consider this your sign to get out there and soak it all in.

Before we get carried away planning BBQs for the next week straight, there is a small catch — the sunshine won’t last forever.

Alan O’Reilly of Carlow Weather has some wise words for us sun-seekers:

“The weekend will slowly start to see a change, clouds will increase and temperatures will start to ease off and drop back towards ‘normal’ by Sunday evening into early next week, with some showery weather returning, so make the most of those blue skies!”

So whether you decide to take a trip to Tramore for an ice cream, a walk along Ardmore beachfront, or a spot of tennis in Dunmore East, today is the day!

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