Crowds are continuing to flock to Clare’s coast as the county officially enters heatwave territory.
A status yellow warning for high temperatures has come into effect here, with the conditions likely to extend well into next week.
Temperatures are expected to reach 28 degrees in parts of Clare today and tomorrow as the hot spell shows little sign of abating.
Met Éireann is warning this will lead to uncomfortable sleeping conditions, heat stress, water safety issues due to increased use of lakes, beaches and waterways, forest fires and drought and is urging the public to take all necessary precautions.
The national forecaster has issued a low level alert which expires at 7am tomorrow, but another will kick in from noon and remain in place until Friday at 6am.
As crowds continue to head to the coast to cool off however, the local businesses are reaping the benefits.
Manager of the Lahinch Coast Hotel, Liam St George says the weather has been reflected in their bookings.
The Celtic T-Shirt Shop on the Old Promenade has been a hit with visitors, locals and many more since it opened its doors in 1979.
Manager Marlene McCormack says the good weather is a gamechanger.
Surprisingly it’s not just sun cream, refreshments and clothing that are making sales at the seaside.
Anne Talty from Lahinch Bookshop says plenty of people are turning to reading when they need a break from the heat.
For another longstanding Lahinch trader, the hot spell has highlighted the unique charm of a small business on a main street.
Bernadette McCarthy who’s been at the Design Lodge for 18 years says she’s seeing more customers than want the shopping experience you can’t get online.
Listen to the full interview here
