You’d never guess, given the weather lately.

But new data shows that Cork is, in fact, one of the top five sunniest counties in Ireland.

An extensive analysis of sunlight hours across the twenty-six counties in Ireland showed that the top five counties in Ireland with the highest average number of sunlight hours are:

• Wexford
• Waterford
• Wicklow
• Cork
• Clare

The research, undertaken by energy company Energia to highlight the optimal locations for solar energy, show that Cork ranks in fourth place, with an annual total of 1325.88 sunlight hours.

County Cork receives the most sunshine in October (210.8 hours) and November (182.4 hours), offering favourable conditions for solar energy.

Wexford emerged as the prime spot for solar panel installation, with an impressive 1358.76 sunlight hours annually, while Kerry has the least amount of sunshine.

Robert Stringer from Energia’s Solar team says: “Electricity generated by the solar PV system produces less carbon emissions per unit of electricity than electricity imported from the grid.

“Plus, electricity generated by your solar PV system can be exported back to the grid and you will receive a payment for each unit exported.”