The official guides from the Office of Public Works had plenty of company on the Hill of Tara yesterday, as people of many beliefs gathered to mark the summer solstice.
Tara was the significant site in the greater Boyne Valley area to visit yesterday. "This is a sun site. Traditionally people gathered at high places at this time of year," explained Ms Liz McBride of Dundalk.
"I come here at this time each year because it is midsummer. It has a long history stepping into the times of prehistory and is an established site of reverence." With friends she placed a staff of blackthorn against one of the standing stones, the Lia Fail (stone of destiny). Ribbons and small blooms on twigs were tied on top of the staff as offerings and quiet prayers were said.
A few feet away, the self-proclaimed Arch-Druid of Ireland was battling with the high winds. Mr Michael McGrath said the solstice marks the zenith of the sun in the sky and is the high point of celebrations in the Druidic year.
In previous years there have been large gatherings of people of different spiritual beliefs, but this year there were many small ones. The offerings and silent worships began from the first rays of sunlight at around 4 a.m. One woman began her day by meditating as the dawn broke. Others waited until noon for their rituals. In different ways the traditional seat of the High Kings of Ireland was for one day, at least, a place of royalty and rituals once more.