2. Improve your artistic knowledge: Bad weather means boom-time for the National Gallery of Ireland, which had one of its busiest times ever last month. "People have been coming in droves, " said Valerie Keogh. "It's handy for shelter from the rain and it's a great opportunity to view some of our exhibitions." www. nationalgallery. ie

3. Visit the driest parts of Ireland: If you've been hanging out in the west or southeast lately, you may even have caught a bit of sun. Mayo, Kerry and Wexford have all seen some of the lowest rainfalls this summer, while Dublin has had the most rain by far.

4. Go shopping: In a shopping centre.

Where it's dry and there are lots of sales because shops are desperate. Enough said.

5. Try motor racing: For learners looking to take courses in Mondello Race Park in Co Kildare, the rain can actually come in handy.

"People learning to ride a motorbike are convinced that a wet surface is worth their while, " said Fergus Brennan. "They learn more and have a real sense of having achieved something." www. mondello. ie

6. Open a brolly-shop: Never mind the 16m lotto . . . this is where the real money is to be made. Brolly sales are up 45% in the UK and Ireland since the "summer" began.

7. Develop an interest in the black stuff: Not just the drinking of it, but its history too. The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin estimates a 7-10% increase in its summer visitor numbers, all seeking shelter from the rain. www. guinness-storehouse. com

8. Or just go to the pub: Not just any pub, but those with the best sheltered smoking beer gardens. Try Dicey's Garden, previously known as Dicey Reilly's, in Dublin, and Sean's Bar in Athlone.

9. Do a sun-dance: Join world champion native American dancer Larry Yazzie, who arrives in Ireland tomorrow and will do a sundance on Sandymount Strand on Wednesday.

10. Enjoy the flowers: Growers of irises, camellias, shuttlecock ferns and gunneras: we salute you. These flowers are doing amazingly well this summer as they love rain. Sweet pea growers and absolutely everyone else in the country: better luck next year.