CORK looks set for a dry and sunny bank holiday weekend, with Met Éireann forecasting temperatures reaching the mid-twenties in places.

Highest temperatures will range between 22 and 26 degrees.

Dry weather and pleasant temperatures are forecast to remain on Friday and moving into the weekend. 

Under normal circumstances, picturesque towns and villages would typically see people flocking to enjoy these areas on a Bank Holiday.

However, given that the public is still expected to adhere to the 5km travel rule, business owners and locals in these areas are hoping people won't be tempted to flout the restrictions.

In Kinsale, business owner Barbara Nealon who founded St Francis Provisions café on Short Quay with her husband John, is optimistic that the public will remain compliant.

"I hope that everyone continues to respect the rules.

"From what I have experienced so far people have been very understanding and as business owners, we can only control what we can control. 

"We have our signs up and are doing everything we can to operate safely.

"The rest is in the hands of the Gardaí and the responsibility of people themselves to make the right decisions," she said. 
"When it is safe to do so, we'll be happy and ready to welcome visitors back to Kinsale," she continued.

St Francis Provisions is now into its tenth week operating as a takeaway service only.

At the hatch door, Kinsale locals can purchase coffees, cakes and items from a limited hot food menu from Wednesdays to Saturdays.

"Never did I think we'd get so much use out of the half door," Barbara laughed.

"It's really been a joy and an honour to continue to serve the people who live here," she said.

As well as this, St Francis Provisions are also selling 'provisions packs' - a luxury seven-course offering complete with a bottle of natural wine available for delivery or collection.