Thousands flock to Cork's beautiful beaches to make the most of the heavenly sunshine

Temperatures have risen nationally, bringing baking hot weather that has drawn large crowds to beaches in West Cork, including Inchydoney Beach. People of all ages are basking in sunshine, cooling off with dips and swims, and relaxing in deck chairs while reading or listening to music. Ice-creams and cool drinks are in high demand, and ice-cream vans are seeing steady trade at popular beaches. Surfing enthusiasts are enjoying the waves, while walkers and runners are benefiting from the improved conditions. The hot spell is expected to continue until Friday, May 29, after which rain and showers are more likely over the Bank Holiday Weekend. Temperatures are forecast to drop to the mid-to-high teens.

"The temperatures have gradually risen over the last few days nationally and the baking hot weather has ensured beaches are packed with people of all ages basking in the sunshine. Cool drinks and ice-creams have been in high demand with families taking the opportunity to go for a dip or swim or simply just chilling in their deck chairs while reading or listening to music. Ice-cream vans have been doing a very steady trade this week and their arrival at the many beaches has proved universally popular."

"Temperatures peaked at 25 degrees on Tuesday and Inchydoney Beach was packed with people enjoying the beautiful weather which is expected to continue for the coming days. People are encouraged to enjoy this glorious period of hot weather which has been a long time coming following an unusually long and bleak winter period."

"The good weather is predicted to hold until this Friday, May 29, but after that there is a higher chance of rain again over the Bank Holiday Weekend and into the following week, unfortunately. Current signs from Met Éireann show the long weekend will bring "a return to more unsettled conditions", with rain and showers on the cards and temperatures dropping to "the mid-to-high teens"."

"Surfing enthusiasts are also enjoying the waves, while walkers and runners have also enjoyed the huge pick up in weather which has lifted the mood nationally."

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