Temperatures rose to as high as 73 F in the Limavady area, according to Met Office forecaster John Mulholland.

The warmth, which Northern Ireland doesn't usually see on around the May Day bank holiday, was due to a ridge of high pressure across the UK, which led to "nice, settled weather."

However, some families who went along to Benone thinking their children would be able to use the play park were left disappointed, according to Sinn Fein Colr. Anne Brolly.

"Given the lovely May Day bank holiday that it was they went to Benone to use the play park, but it was closed," she said, referring to the complaints made by parents who contacted her.

"It was a bit of a shame," she said. "They were disappointed it wasn't open. However, the weather was so good it didn't spoil the day."

Limavady Borough Council economic development officer Valerie Richmond said historically the activities area at Benone Tourist Complex does not open to the public until the beginning of the summer season - July and August.

"The play area is adjacent to the pools and this has always left a health and safety risk unless the area is supervised. Obviously the excellent weather came as a pleasant surprise to us all and led to more visitors to Benone Tourist Complex," she told the 'Journal'.

"However, council has just completed the installation of railings within the activity area which will now enable us to make the play area available for use - subject to parental/adult supervision. Let us hope that the great weather will continue."

In the meantime, the weather is set to change, with cloudier conditions and a little rain expected this evening. The good news is the sunny weather is expected to return, with temperatures in the low twenties expected for early next week.