THOUSANDS of Irish beachgoers flocked to the popular coastal spots yesterday – as the temperatures sizzled to a record-breaking 31.8 degrees.
With temperatures passing 30C in some spots this weekend, a beachgoer in Dublin shared her horror experience of being stranded at the overcrowded beach.
Maja, who posts under @eymaja on TikTok, shared a clip of the madness that was happening at Portmarnock beach.
Portmarnock is a coastal town in the north of the capital, with significant beaches – a prime area for Dubliners to flock to the beach as temperatures skyrocket.
While thousands of Dubliners enjoyed the sunshine and soaking themselves in the cold Irish water to stay cool, Maja’s experience of leaving the beach wasn’t truly pleasant in the clip.
The video shows hundreds of cars stuck at the beach, with no way to escape as traffic is blocked up due to all the cars parked on the side and main road, preventing traffic from coming in and out.
Maja’s car was seen stuck on the side of the road, waiting patiently for beachgoers to return to their car and make space for people to leave.
She said: “We should’ve known better.”
One driver has parked their car in the tight spot beside the cars on the slope, with the front of the vehicle touching the cement, meaning the driver will get some nasty scratches when trying to leave.
Portmarnock beach car park was also seen to be packed to the brim, with other cars parked on the grass and a few vehicles were seen blocking the entrance.
And a few stranded beachgoers were also spotted lying on the grass beside their cars while waiting for the blocked access to slowly open up to head back home.
It was reported that drivers parked on the grass and in the middle of the roads were fined.
People were left shocked by how many cars were left abandoned on the roads, especially the ones blocking access to leaving the place, which sparked concerns over medical emergencies.
One person wrote: “How will the ambulance get there in the event of an accident?”
Another person added: “Not worth it.”
The third person shared their experience of being stranded at the beach: “I was there and I had to wait like 40 minutes in the traffic.”
Another person said: “And that’s why I got a pool instead, NOT A CHANCE!”
GARDAI WARNING
Yesterday, Gardai confirmed that the car parks at Warren Beach near Rosscarbery and Inchydoney Beach near Clonakilty in West Cork were overcrowded.
And they stated there is no further safe access available to either location this afternoon due to the volume of visitors.
People planning a trip are now being encouraged to visit one of the many other beaches along the Cork coastline instead of adding to congestion.
Authorities warned that it is important to park legally and responsibly, especially during busy spells of warm weather.
Gardai have taken to Facebook to share the warning.
They said: “Gardai in West Cork would like to advise members of the public that the car parks at Warren Beach near Rosscarbery and Inchydoney Beach near Clonakilty are now full and there is no further safe access available.
“Please consider one of the other many stretches of golden sand we have along the Costa del Cork this afternoon.”
