Now that summer is well and truly here, not only have the long nights and warm weather returned so have a few classic habits we Irish families tend to do whenever it’s sunny.
From ice-cream van mayhem to sunburn surveillance, check out this list of things every Irish family does when it’s sunny below.
1. The house descends into absolute chaos whenever the ice-cream van song is heard.
2. At some point during the summer, a debate is sparked about whether it’s called a cone, 99, Mr Whippy or creamy whip – we still don’t know!
3. Sticky strawberry and chocolate sauce from said ice cream cones gets absolutely everywhere and tissues just seem to make things worse.
4. Forget there was ever a time when it wasn’t sunny and leave the washing out on the line until it starts raining again.
5. Always opting for a spot in the shade because it’s far too hot with the sun “batin'” [beating] down on you.
6. Liberally applying factor fifty every hour and the kids absolutely hating it.
7. As soon as the sunny weather hits, piling the whole family into the car and immediately getting stuck in traffic heading to the beach – because everyone had the same idea.
8. Dragging out last year’s outdoor furniture and clearing away all the cobwebs.
9. Firing up the BBQ and everyone convincing themselves the burnt parts add ‘flavour’.
10. Telling everyone that your sunburn will definitely turn into a tan.
11. Lifting up your sleeve and revealing the infamous farmer’s tan to the world.
12. Always complaining about the Irish weather and then complaining as well when the sun’s out that “it’s too hot”.
13. A serious conversation taking place about who took the last cola Mr Freeze [Freezepop].
14. Last but not least, the amazing invention of a dinner eaten solely during the warm weather, consisting of “little nibbles” or “picky bits”- beloved by all.
* This article was originally published on Rollercoaster.ie.