Ireland basks in Bank Holiday sunshine

Bank Holiday revellers took to parks and beaches across Ireland today as the country experienced some of the hottest temperatures of the year so far.

And the warm sunshine is set to dominate for the rest of the week with Met Éireann predicting temperatures of over 20C.

AA Roadwatch is predicting traffic to increase on all national roads by late afternoon as people return after the long weekend, many of whom have been attending the wealth of holiday festivals.

These included the Ballydehob International Jazz Festival Food Fair in Co Cork, the Limerick River Fest, the Rally of the Lakes in Killarney, Co Kerry, and the Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival.

Tens of thousands of people also passed through Dublin Airport, with authorities expecting a five per cent jump on the numbers for last year.

More than 2,300 flights arrived and left since Friday, including 180 charters.

Meanwhile Met Éireann is predicting that after a calm and mild night, tomorrow will see further long spells of warm hazy sunshine, although the west might experience some light rain.

Temperatures are expected to peak at 22C, while the weather looks set to remain fine for the rest of the week.