This is proving a tough year for tourism on many fronts, but at least one much-maligned local institution is holding its end up, writes Frank McNally.
The Irish summer is officially "above average" so far, according to Met Éireann. And another solid if unspectacular performance from the weather sector was enough to send thousands to the beaches at the weekend, north and south.
With the best of the sunshine occurring on Saturday, it was a glorious Twelfth for most Orangemen. By contrast, cloud and a smattering of rain last night brought a slightly damp end to the Witnness Festival in Co Kildare, the two-day event finishing with a performance from the aptly named David Gray.
As summer reaches tomorrow's traditional watershed of St Swithin's Day, however, the news is mixed.
After a warm, humid and mostly dry Monday, Tuesday will be "very warm", according to a Met spokesman. But with localised thundery showers likely to be heavy where they fall, superstitious weather-watchers in the affected areas may be taking out six-week flood insurance.
St Swithin was a humble 10th century bishop who thwarted his reburial in an elaborate shrine by causing torrential rain for 40 days and nights. Hence the legend that his feastday, July 15th, dictates the weather conditions for 40 days after.
But, as usual, modern forecasters were dancing on his grave last night by predicting that the weather will change as early as Wednesday, when freshening winds and more widespread outbreaks of rain are likely.
Met Éireann says this is to be expected in July which, despite the hype that surrounds it, even in Ireland, is "not a particularly sunny month".
With daytime temperatures staying in the mid-20s, the rain should at least be warm.