People

In pictures: Summer solstice celebrations at the Hill of Tara

Hundreds gathered at the hill on Thursday night, June 20th, to mark the longest day of the year

Justine Nguyen from Meath at the Hill of Tara on the night of the summer solstice. Photograph: Alan Betson
Justine Nguyen from Meath at the Hill of Tara on the night of the summer solstice. Photograph: Alan Betson
Ellen O’Donoghue's picture
Ellen O’Donoghue
Fri Jun 21 2024 - 17:35

Hundreds of people gathered at the Hill of Tara on Thursday night, June 20th, for the annual summer solstice celebrations to mark the longest day of the year. It is one of eight sacred days on the Celtic calendar traditionally celebrated in Ireland.

People from all walks of life went on to the hill on Thursday evening where they participated in music, dance and gymnastics, like Zachary O’Neill Kearney (14) from Ratoath, who came with his mother, Melissa.

Inga Herman has celebrated the solstice at the Hill of Tara for the last 10 years, and practises the Lithuanian summer solstice traditions of making wishes and creating floral headbands while on the hill.

Herman, who has lived in Ireland for 20 years, brought her daughter for the first time last year, and enjoys showing her the celebration and keeping the Lithuanian traditions alive.

Visitors under the moonlight on the Hill of Tara. Photograph: Alan Betson
Visitors under the moonlight on the Hill of Tara. Photograph: Alan Betson
Justine Nguyen from Meath at the Hill of Tara on the night of the summer solstice. Photograph: Alan Betson
Justine Nguyen from Meath at the Hill of Tara on the night of the summer solstice. Photograph: Alan Betson
Dean Stapleton from Finglas heralding the summer solstice under the moonlight on the Hill of Tara. Photograph: Alan Betson
Dean Stapleton from Finglas heralding the summer solstice under the moonlight on the Hill of Tara. Photograph: Alan Betson
Zachary O’Neill Kearney (14) from Ratoath under the moonlight on the Hill of Tara. Photograph: Alan Betson
Zachary O’Neill Kearney (14) from Ratoath under the moonlight on the Hill of Tara. Photograph: Alan Betson
Zachary O’Neill Kearney (14) from Ratoath under the moonlight on the Hill of Tara. Photograph: Alan Betson
Zachary O’Neill Kearney (14) from Ratoath under the moonlight on the Hill of Tara. Photograph: Alan Betson
Inga Herman practising a Lithuanian tradition of making wishes and creating floral headbands. Photograph: Alan Betson
Inga Herman practising a Lithuanian tradition of making wishes and creating floral headbands. Photograph: Alan Betson
Inga Herman practising a Lithuanian tradition of making wishes and creating floral headbands. Photograph: Alan Betson
Inga Herman practising a Lithuanian tradition of making wishes and creating floral headbands. Photograph: Alan Betson
Visitors under the moonlight on the Hill of Tara. Photograph: Alan Betson
Visitors under the moonlight on the Hill of Tara. Photograph: Alan Betson
Visitors at the Hill of Tara for the summer solstice. Photograph: Alan Betson
Visitors at the Hill of Tara for the summer solstice. Photograph: Alan Betson