Pictures: Cooling down at Cork beaches as temperatures soar

Wed, 27 May, 2020 - 17:16

Amy Nolan

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.

Massie Buttimer and Molly O’Rielly enjoying the afternoon sunshine under the lighthouse in Youghal, East Cork. Picture Dan Linehan

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.

Matthew, Gracie and Evan Kelleher, Clonakilty, enjoying the sunshine at Inchydoney, Co. Cork.Picture Denis Minihane.

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.

Fith and Jimmy Joyce having fun at the Mall beach in Youghal, East Cork. Picture Dan Linehan

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

Flaviey and Kai Chimenes on the beach at Red Strand, West Cork. Picture Dan Linehan

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

Nicole Markusheva with her dog Nicky at Claycastle beach in Youghal, East Cork. Picture Dan Linehan

"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.

Richie and Emily O’Driscoll taking it easy at the Mall beach in Youghal, East Cork. Picture Dan Linehan

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.

Garda Nicola Burke, Clonakilty, at a Covid-19 garda checkpoint at Inchydoney, Co. Cork.Picture Denis Minihane.

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.