Ireland springs into summer...

20C on the way as country hotter than Madrid

- TREVOR QUINN

IRELAND is set to sizzle in spring sunshine today as temperatures hit 20C – hotter than Athens, Vienna and Madrid.

Thousands of sun-worshippers enjoyed the lovely conditions yesterday at beaches and parks.

Valentia in Co Kerry saw highs of 18C, while temperatures climbed to 16C in Shannon, Co Clare, and Mount Dillon in Co Roscommon.

Met Eireann forecaster Deirdre Lowe said: “Saturday will be slightly warmer than Sunday and temperatures could get up to 19C or 20C in parts of Clare, Galway, Mayo and in the west. But on the east coast it’ll be about 12C or 13C due to the easterly breeze.

“On Sunday temperatures in the east again will be about 12C but they could climb up to about 17C or 18C in parts of the west.