THE sun may have ducked back behind the clouds and temperatures dipped, but Newcastle was basking in the heat last week as soaring temperatures attracted huge numbers of sunseekers to the town.
The Co Down seaside hotspot was awash with visitors from far and wide, all anxious to soak up the town’s unique mix of beachside strip flanked by the majestic Mourne Mountain back.
The sizzling summer temperatures brought a kaleidoscope of parasols, lilos and deck chairs out on to local beaches from the early
morning to the dusk when beautiful, rainbow-coloured sunsets brought days of fun to an end.
It also made for brisk business at some of Newcastle’s popular ice cream parlours and outdoor eateries.
Phillip McAllister, supervisor at Cafe Maud’s on Main Street, estimated that sales of its popular ice cream had shot up by as much as 40 to 50 per cent since the heatwave descended upon the coastal resort.
He said its trademark Pooh Bear’s Delight was living up to the hype and proving the best seller as passersby sought a chilled antidote to the sun.
“It’s been very busy and people have been queued down the street ever since the good weather arrived. It’s been hectic,” he said.
He said diners were also packing out its premises for lunches and meals keeping the kitchen staff extra busy.
Not far away, manager of the Burrendale Hotel, Maeve McMullan said it had been extremely busy” in recent weeks.
“Our occupancy for the summer months was always good and thank goodness we are still maintaining a full house.
“We are very lucky to have our Courtyard – outdoor dining area – which has been packed all week.
“Walkers have also been calling in, so fresh water bowls are all ready for the pets. “When this area is full – we notice they are sitting out the front and side – just to catch the rays,” she said.
She added that those in need of an escape from the sun were also flocking to its Cottage
Bar where it was “nice and cool”.