About a third of everything made in Northern Ireland, but sold beyond its boundaries, goes to the eurozone with the Republic of Ireland the biggest, single export market.

For Northern Ireland businesses doing a lot of euro trade, the rise in the value of currency has come as something of a relief.

One such exporter is Mackles, a family run company from Moy in County Tyrone.

The company makes the Brandy petfood range and exports 60% of its products south of the border, according to director John Mackle.

"When the euro fell in value, about five years ago it hit us really hard. It wiped out our profits and was simply a matter of survival," he said.

"Now, in the last six months, it has turned back in our favour, and we are much more positive about the future.

"We believe the exchange rate is about where it should be."

You do not have to be in business to feel the impact of the eurozone.

The steady stream of cars crossing the border to fill up in the Republic of Ireland is in part due to the weakness of the euro.

However, a tank of petrol that costs £35 in Northern Ireland, now costs £27 in the Republic of Ireland, compared to £24 a year ago.

That is quite a saving - but not the bargain it was.

So local holidaymakers will find their Mediterranean meal and drinks costing more.

But for Northern Ireland businesses looking to attract European tourists, the stronger euro has also made a big difference.

Michael McCaldin runs the Aghiver boat company on Lough Erne and rents out 10 boats.

"We would notice a marked increase in enquiries from visitors, but it is virtually impossible to predict from year to year where the euro will stand against sterling," he said.

"As many of our bookings are made year to year it makes it very difficult to work out prices," he said.

The question being asked throughout business is where the currency goes from here.

Pat McArdle chief economist from the Ulster Bank says it is an inexact science.

"We have seen a 15% increase in the value of the euro, to a point that I think is close to equilibrium level," he said.

"The problem with currencies is that they tend to overshoot, so we could see a further shift in the pound/euro exchange rate of 5%."

On Lough Erne, the answer for the Aghinver Boat Company is to join the eurozone and cut out the uncertainty, according to Michael McCaldin.

But like the long days of summer sunshine, neither seems imminent.