The 7 unmistakable stages of every Irish summer

Brought to you by Carry Out Off Licence.

Who doesn’t love summer?

It can sometimes seem like the Irish love affair with the summer is an abusive relationship. We keep hoping it will change and it keeps serving up rain, grey clouds and a generous sprinkling of rainfall - year after year. Still, hope springs eternal and we’ve got a good feeling about this year. Summer is just around the corner so that seemed like a good excuse to look forward to everyone’s favourite time of year. Here are the seven unmistakable stages of every Irish summer.

1. The false start

You always get a few sunny days in April that lull you into thinking the summer is starting early. People inevitably lose the run of themselves and start burning their winter clothes and stocking up on sun cream. One week later, the central heating is back on.

2. The high expectations

This will be the GREATEST. SUMMER. EVER. In your head, this summer will be an endless series of adventures, festivals, camping trips, sessions and sun-drenched days on the beach. Practicalities like money or other tedious details are irrelevant at this stage.

3. The waiting

Godot has nothing on an Irish summer when it comes to waiting. There’s nothing worse than waiting for an Irish summer to kick in. The calendar says it’s summer. The GAA championship is in full swing. The World Cup is nearly over. Migratory birds are landing in Ireland and wondering why it’s so chilly. Any second now…

4. The summer lands

This can sometimes take until August but everyone gets a bit giddy when the thermometer finally creeps over 20 degrees. Workplaces start sending out the interns to get ice cream. You’re sinking pints every evening after work. Summer is glorious and it will never end.

5. People refuse to go back indoors

Indoors?? It’s far too warm to be indoors. Parks, beer gardens, backyards, beaches or any available outdoor space is the order of the day. All you want is some sun and a cold drink. The off licence becomes your new best friend, and not just when it has bargains like the Carry Out Off Licence’s May Bank Holiday deals.

6. It’s nearly too warm

We’re just not built for the heat as a nation. It only takes a couple of weeks to go from “This is amazing” to “It’s nearly too warm.” It’s not our fault really. We’re just hardwired to complain about the weather - even during our annual two weeks of summer.

7. The post-mortem

Every year, you look back and realise that you didn’t do quite as much as you expected. It wasn’t quite as sunny as you hoped and you left too much until the last moment. Still. Next summer? That’s definitely going to be the GREATEST.SUMMER. EVER. Kick off the summer in style with Carry Out Off Licence. Amazing May Bank Holiday deals in store now. Check out the website for more information.