7 definite signs that summer has come to Ireland

Brought to you by HB Ice Cream. 

Oh, the elusive Irish summer...

It really is a mythical thing of beauty. While other countries have weeks of soaring temperatures, we are quite happy to settle for two or three warm days sometime between May and September (usually during the Leaving Cert). Here are the signs that summer has arrived. 1. Having lunch inside becomes absolutely ludicrous  And you'll judge every single person in your office who doesn't make the most of the amazing weather. You'll be dining al fresco for the duration of the nice weather thank you very much. 2. Your Snapchat and Instagram... Become full of pictures like this. Or this... Oh, it's sunny outside? How would I have ever figured that out without you telling me? 3. Tops become optional Well, at least for the fellas. They will use any excuse to get their kit off. Playing a game of football, top off. Mowing the lawn, top off. Going to a job interview.... OK, maybe not but you get the idea. 4. Everyone attempts to have a BBQ We say attempt because realistically you'd need a crystal ball to predict the weather. But by God when Irish people commit to a BBQ they always follow through, rain, hail or shine. 5. The moaners come out in full force. We spend all year begging for the sun to come out but when it does we’re suddenly “too warm” or we “can’t find anything to wear”. Oh, the irony. 6. Ice cream, ice cream everywhere You'll happily eat three ice creams a day when the sun shines and you won't apologise to anyone. Sure it would be rude not to. 7. You'll spot an eejit cruising around in a convertible Looking very smug indeed. You'll resist the temptation to toss your ice cream at them because let's face it, they can probably only take that thing out once a year. This article is brought to you by HB Ice Cream.