The previous hottest May day ever recorded in Ireland was 28.4C, which was recorded on May 31, 1997, in Ardfert, Co Kerry, and was equalled at Oak Park in Co Carlow on Monday as the country saw sweltering conditions.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Ireland saw the mercury hit 33.3C in Kilkenny Castle in 1887.

A spokesperson for Met Éireann said it had been closely monitoring temperature observations for any record-breaking temperatures and would update social media if any records were broken.

Monday saw warm and dry weather, with highs of 22C to 28C. It wwas warmest in Leinster and Munster, and a little cooler near the western and northern coasts. 

It will stay dry and mild with further clear spells through the night, with lows of 10C to 15C. 

Tuesday will be "another warm day, even very warm for some, with long spells of sunshine." It will be the warmest in Munster and cooler in Ulster. 

Dry weather will continue through the evening, although an isolated shower is possible. Lows will range from 8C in the north to 15 degrees in the south. 

Wednesday will continue with the warm weather and "lots of sunshine." Highs of 20C to 27C are set for the day. 

It will be very mild on Wednesday night, and while it may remain dry for most with long clear spells, a few showers may develop with lows of 12C to 16C. 

Thursday will start to see cloudier weather with some patchy outbreaks of rain and drizzle in the west. It will be a little bit cooler with highs of 18C to 24C. But this will be a little lower along the southern and southwestern coasts. 

Rain will clear on Friday, bringing dry weather and good sunshine, with cloud starting to build through the afternoon and evening. Temperatures will sit between 17C and 21C.

Met Éireann reported that 25.1C was recorded in the Phoenix Park on Sunday.