In photos: Crowds enjoy sunshine on year's hottest day ahead of busy weekend of events

Crowds enjoyed the sunshine and flocked to beaches on Friday on what was the hottest day of the year so far.

Temperatures reached 29 degrees Celsius in several of Met Éireann's weather stations, including Finner in Co Donegal and Mount Dillon, Co Roscommon.

Crowds at Portmarnock Beach in Dublin on what was the hottest day of the year so far. Photo: Collins

Photo: Collins

Natasha Pintos from Ballymun with her children, Archie and Harlow, on Portmarnock Beach. Photo: Collins

A group from Blanchardstown, calling themselves 'The Rodgers', on Portmarnock Beach. Photo: Collins

Portmarnock on Friday afternoon. Photo: Collins

The good weather comes ahead of a busy summer weekend of events across the country.

Oklahoma musician and songwriter Zach Bryan has three sold-out concerts in Dublin's Phoenix Park on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, while a sold-out Kingfishr concert will take place in Fairview Park in Dublin on Saturday.

From left: Misha Magee, Lauren Kilbride, Grace Dowling, Maria Grassick and Sophie Kelly from Naas arrive ahead of the Zach Bryan concert in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins

Baily Carlton and Caitlin O’Sullivan from Co Kerry ahead of the Zach Bryan concert. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins

From left: Calum Kehoe, Niamh Hennessy, Caoimhe Sheey and Gavin Dowling from Carlow ready for the Zach Bryan concert. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins

It's also a eventful weekend for sport, starting with the Lions v Argentina game at the Aviva Stadium on Friday evening.

Nicky and Amy Baker from London ahead of the Lions match against Argentina. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

Finlay Jones (15) from Scotland ahead of the match against Argentina. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins

Harry Buchanan (10), Louis McElroy (12) and Tom Buchanan (12) from Belfast ahead of the Lions match against Argentina. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins

Four GAA matches will take place in Croke Park on Saturday and Sunday, while tens of thousands will make their way to the most northern county for the Donegal International Rally.

Gardaí said they will be out helping to keep people safe at each of the large public events scheduled across the country this weekend.

Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary said: "This weekend is packed with lots of activity and with the summer weather also looking promising, we look forward to helping to welcome thousands of people into Dublin to make the most of their weekend.

"We want you to enjoy yourselves if socialising or attending any one of the exciting sporting and music events happening in the city, but to please be mindful of others and how your behaviour may impact their experience.

"This summer’s public events would not be able to go ahead were it not for the gardaí that will be working above and beyond this weekend and for the remainder of the summer to keep people safe.

"Should you feel unsafe or need our assistance in any way over the weekend, please contact us or stop anyone of us on our high-visibility patrols across the city, and in an emergency or immediate danger always dial 999/112.”