Yes — Ireland is on track to break its all-time temperature record this week. Met Éireann is forecasting highs of up to 33°C on Thursday 25 June 2026, which would surpass the national record of 33.3°C set at Kilkenny Castle on 26 June 1887 — a record that has stood for 139 years.
Ireland’s All-Time Heat Record
The highest temperature ever officially recorded in Ireland is 33.3°C, measured at Kilkenny Castle on 26 June 1887. The second-highest reading is 32.5°C, recorded at Kilkenny in July 1983. This week’s heatwave has already brought temperatures of 28.3°C to Dublin and 27.5°C to County Cork — and the peak is still to come.
What’s Causing the Heatwave?
Ireland is caught in the edge of a major European heat event that has already seen France record its hottest day ever this week. A high-pressure system sitting over the Azores and western Europe is drawing warm air northward from the Sahara and the Iberian Peninsula. Ireland, normally cooled by Atlantic breezes, is experiencing the full force of this southerly flow.
The areas most likely to record the highest temperatures are the midlands, the west, and Connacht — regions that are sheltered from the sea breeze that keeps coastal areas relatively cooler.
Ireland’s Sunniest County
If you want to experience Irish summer at its very best, County Wexford in the south-east is always the place to be. Wexford receives over 200 more hours of sunshine per year than most of the country. Its beaches — Curracloe, Rosslare Strand, Kilmore Quay — are among the finest in the country, and during weeks like this one, they look more like the Mediterranean than the Emerald Isle most people imagine.
What to Expect If the Record Falls
Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow high-temperature warning for the entire country, with Status Orange possible in parts of the midlands. Temperatures above 30°C are expected widely, and if the models hold, readings of 33°C or above in sheltered inland areas would make history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ireland’s highest ever recorded temperature?
Ireland’s all-time temperature record is 33.3°C, set at Kilkenny Castle on 26 June 1887. This record has stood for 139 years and may be broken this week.
Where is the hottest place in Ireland?
Ireland’s warmest and sunniest county is Wexford in the south-east, which consistently records higher temperatures and more sunshine hours than the rest of the country. The midlands also regularly record high summer temperatures due to their distance from the coast.
What is the best time to visit Ireland for warm weather?
June to August is Ireland’s warmest period, with average daytime temperatures of 18–22°C. Occasionally, as in 2026, Ireland experiences heatwave conditions in late June with temperatures well above 30°C — particularly in Wexford, the midlands, and Connacht.
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