Met Éireann has confirmed that the national maximum temperature record for May was exceeded by more than 2C last month.
Exceptionally high temperatures were reached between Monday 25 and Wednesday 27 May, according to the forecaster's latest climate statement.
The conditions were the result of an intense area of high pressure, combined with an unseasonably hot tropical airmass.
The previous May record, of 28.4C, was set in Ardfert, Co Kerry, in 1997.
Met Éireann said that figure was broken at a number of weather stations in the south and east of the country.
The highest temperatures were recorded on Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 May at:
- Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick - 30.9C
- Clonmel, Co Tipperary - 30.9C
- Castleisland, Co Kerry - 30.8C
- Durrow, Co Laois - 30.8C
- Green's Hill, Co Kilkenny - 30.8C
- Killarney, Co Kerry - 30.7C
- Fethard, Co Tipperary - 30.7C
- Shannon, Co Clare - 30.6C
Eight of the ten warmest Mays have occurred since 2001, according to Met Éireann.
The statement also shows that last month was the 31st driest May since 1941.
The highest daily rainfall total, of 21.1mm, was at Mount Dillon in Co Roscommon on 19 May.
