LAST month was the wettest July in the north in seven years, according to figures from the Met Office.
Around 128mm of rain fell across the north last month - 57 per cent above the July average.
According to Met Éireann, most areas in the Republic also saw heavier rain fall than normal.
Shannon Airport in Co Clare experienced than double its average rainfall - making last month the wettest July in the area since 1946.
The second half of the month was particularly wet, with several thunderstorms.
However, last month was also sunnier than average across Ireland - reflecting the dry and bright weather seen at the start of the month.
Met Office figures showed July was the sunniest in the north in four years, with 21 per cent more sunshine than average.
According to Met Éireann, almost all its stations reported above average sunshine. The highest number of daily sunshine hours was recorded at Malin Head in Co Donegal on July 12.
Met Office climate scientist Mike Kendon said: "Some of these statistics can be linked directly to a few significant weather events, with spells of thunderstorms bringing the majority of the month's rainfall to some areas".
"The presence of low pressure systems moving slowly over the UK at times have also influenced the temperatures and amount of sunshine hours," he said.
The forecaster said the spell of wet weather looks set to last into the weekend with showers or longer spells of rain interspersed with some sunshine.
Drier weather is forecast for next week although the north will see some showers.
