Summer solstice at Tara

It was back to the Hill of Tara on the eve of the Summer Solstice, 20 June 2025. In Irish tradition, festivals are celebrated from the eve of the festival day, hence Hallowe'en (the eve of All Hallows, or All Saints' Day). Sunset was at 9.57, and we made up some of a large crowd who gathered to watch the sun go down. A piper played the entire time we were there until the sun had set.

Tara is of immense importance in Irish history, mythology and even infrastructure, as all roads led there. Lugh, the sun god, had to prove himself to gain entry to the court of Tara. High kings were crowned here, and even St Patrick has associations with Tara and Slane. 

The almost eerie, solemn atmosphere of this site, which is a national monument, is one that should be experienced by anyone who visits Ireland.