The Summer Solstice in Ireland

The summer solstice sees the sun reach its highest point in the sky and the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Typically observed between June 20th and 22nd, this astronomical turning point has been marked here in Ireland for thousands of years.

The Summer Solstice and the Celts

The sun was revered in Ireland even before the Celts as evident by impressive Neolithic sites like Newgrange built in alignment with the rising or setting sun. But the sun also held a special place in Celtic society for whom the Solstice was a sacred time. Mid-summer was one of eight sacred Celtic Days along with Mid-winter (winter solstice), the festivals of Imbolc, Bealtaine, Lunasa, and Samhain as well as the spring and autumn equinoxes.

The Celts would call on the sun goddess Áine to banish evil spirits and ensure a good harvest. Bonfires were lit and there was much feasting and dancing! And no doubt the great and good of that time would have dressed in their finest, including donning golden jewelry that represented the sun.

Irish Summer Solstice Traditions

Things haven’t changed all that much since the Celts - Bonfires, dancing and feasting are still the order of the day although some celebrations are in honour of St. John rather than the sun!

And people still gather at ancient sites like the Lough Gur Stone Circle, Carrowkeel and the Hill of Tara to welcome the rising summer solstice sun - whether it shines or not!

Inspired Designs

These sacred landscapes and our ancestors reverence for the sun have inspired our many of our pieces. If you would like your treat yourself or someone you know to a piece of summer gold to honor the sun this solstice, please do get in touch.

Celebrate Mid-Summer the Irish Way

Will you mark Mid-summer yourself? If you are a morning person you could get up early to witness the solstice sun. And for those that prefer a lie in you could make a great meal if perhaps not a feast, taking in delicious freshly harvested fruits and veggies. Or make a point to seek-out some entertaining music or dancing. Whatever you get up to we hope the summer solstice brings you the health and plenty that our ancestors hoped for each June.