Temperatures were at their highest for 40 years in some parts of the country in June, according to new data from Met Éireann.
The meteorological agency said high pressure dominated last month, bringing dry and sunny weather on most days.
Monthly rainfall totals were down by about 50 per cent in western and northern areas, and it was the driest June since 1941 at Malin Head.
Overall, there were between five and 10 wet days, compared with the normal range for June of between nine and 13 days, and the weather got progressively better, with little or no rain measured during the second half of the month.
Monthly air temperatures were between one and two degrees higher than normal, and it was the warmest June since 1970 at Mullingar and Cork airport.
The period between June 20th and 27th was particularly warm, with daily maximum temperatures rising above 20 degrees in most areas. The highest temperature last month was in Ballyhaise, Co Cavan, where 24.9 degrees was recorded on June 21st.
The amount of sunshine seen in Ireland was above normal for the sixth month in a row. Valentia Observatory recorded 1,034 hours of sunshine for the first half of 2010. This represents just over 150 per cent of normal sunshine hours and is the sunniest period recorded at the weather station in over a century.
Met Éireann forecaster Siobhán Ryan said June has been exceptionally good weather-wise but warned temperatures are expected to fall over the coming days.
"The weather over the coming days will still be mild with plenty of sunshine but there will be a gradual drop in temperatures to between 16 and 19 degrees at the weekend with rain expected on Saturday night and early Sunday morning," she said.
