Some 250 people gathered at the Hill of Tara to watch the sunrise at 3.41am in honour of the summer solstice on the longest day of the year, Saturday, June 21st.
Although the rising sun was overshadowed by cloud and mist, it was still an enjoyable occasion for all who attended.
People started to gather from 3am, and numbers began to swell at 3.40am when the sun was rising. Bagpipes and drums were played.
To honour the summer solstice, Meath-based pilates teacher Michelle O’Brien of Haven Studios set a challenge of five pilates classes at 5am in five days, culminating in one at the Hill of Tara.
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It was O’Brien’s first time to witness the solstice on the Hill of Tara. “It was gorgeous on top of the hill, you could ground yourself,” she said.
O’Brien can see the outing becoming an annual event for her pilates class. “I can see it growing for sure. There was such an energy, it was very special – especially at that time of the morning,” she laughs.
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Pamela-Gail Rea, from Tyrone, attended the event with flowers in her hair. She explained how men and women would have worn flowers when celebrating the solstice. She enjoys following the “roots of her ancestors”.
“They knew how important the summer and winter solstices were in the calendar. They knew to light huge bonfires on hills to sun god Lugh, it was pivotal to their survival.
“I honour that by going to the Hill of Tara every year.”
