Ireland’ short-lived summer is over – the country is in for a wet week at the height of the holiday season.

Temperature records were in danger as the thermometer last week but now the more regular rain is back.

Weather forecasters have warned it is here to stay with temperatures falling in the wake of the rain’s return.

Officials at Ireland’s weather service Met Eireann have confirmed the bad news three weeks before kids go back to school.

A spokesman revealed: “A few bright, short sunny spells are likely, but overall, it will be a cloudy day, with showers merging into longer spells of rain.

“On Sunday night, outbreaks of more persistent rain will affect the southwest of the country, extending north-eastwards to affect most other areas by morning.”

“And by Monday, any sign of sun will be well and truly gone - with heavy showers predicted across the country.

“Heading into the week, very unsettled and windy weather is on the cards for Tuesday and Wednesday, with spells of heavy and possibly thundery rain crossing the country.”