DUBLIN, Ireland: Despite extreme heat gripping much of mainland Europe, Irish holidaymakers are pressing ahead with their travel plans, according to travel agents across the country.

Temperatures have soared past 44 degrees Centigrade in regions of Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France, with Portugal and Spain recording their hottest June on record. Scientists attribute the intense heat to a "heat dome" — a high-pressure system trapped over continental Europe that leads to prolonged sunny, still days with little wind or relief.

Meteorologists have warned that Europe, already the fastest-warming continent, is heating at twice the global average. Forecasts from the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service indicate a substantial likelihood of above-average temperatures continuing into July, August, and September.

However, the rising heat is not deterring Irish travellers. Mary Denton, CEO of Sunway Travel, one of Ireland's largest travel agencies, said there has been no noticeable impact on bookings.

Mary Denton, chief executive of Sunway Travel, one of the country's largest travel agents, explained that they "haven't received any queries from customers asking to re-arrange their holiday dates or cancel due to the temperatures at their destination."

She added that resorts and hotels are equipped to manage the heat, and that as long as travellers take sensible precautions and follow local guidance, they can still enjoy their vacations.

Data from the Central Statistics Office shows that Irish residents made more than 12 million overnight trips abroad in 2023, many during the summer months.

Thomas Britton, who runs Marble City Travel in Kilkenny, echoed the sentiment. "People are just powering ahead with their planned holidays. They want heat on their bones. Bookings are solid," he said.

Britton cautioned, however, that there are financial consequences for travellers who consider cancelling or delaying trips due to extreme heat. "There are cost implications," he warned. "Travel insurance companies will not cover postponing holidays because of the heat dome across Europe."

Travel expert Eoghan Corry agreed, stating that holidaymakers cannot rely on insurance policies to cover heat-related cancellations. "Insurance simply won't cover cancellations due to high temperatures," he said. "Unless someone can provide medical documentation showing that the heat would pose a serious health risk, insurers are unlikely to approve postponements or refunds."

With climate extremes becoming more frequent, travel experts suggest Irish tourists continue to prepare adequately, stay informed, and be cautious — but for now, the sun continues to draw them abroad.