Ireland is a treasure trove of Megalithic and Neolithic sites, from Newgrange to standing stones and dolmens. June’s Summer Solstice at midsummer is a wonderful time to visit some of these sites.
The longest day of the year falls around 21st June when the sun is at its highest point and there are many places around Ireland that are even more spectacular to visit around this time.
With a choice of over 40,000 Neolithic and Megalithic sites to choose from, ranging from standing stones to tombs, this time of year is an important and powerful time. Here are our top picks:
Newgrange, County Meath
Newgrange is actually older than the Egyptian pyramids. This passage tomb from the stone age goes back over 5,000 years. It is said to be the location for the burial of
Diarmuid and Grainne.
Dowth and Knowth, County Meath
Dowth, County Meath, is, quite simply, a magical place. It comes second, behind Newgrange, as one of the three main tombs of Bru na Boinne World Heritage Site. The other passage tombs are the more famous
Newgrange and
Knowth. Knowth has been important as a burial site right through from the Stone Age.
Hill of Tara, County Meath
The
Hill of Tara should be top of the list when it comes to visiting for either the winter solstice or the summer solstice. Situated near the River Boyne, this is a site of archaeological treasures that is, according to tradition, the seat of the High King of Ireland.
Carrowkeel and Carrowmore, County Sligo
At Lough Arrow, on a hill outside the village of Castlebaldwin, the Cairns are said to date back to 3000 – 2000 BC. One of the tombs has a light box over the doorway which lets sunrise in to the chamber. The area, which is of exceptional historical interest, spans more than 5km and includes passage tombs, standing stones and over 60 dolmens.
Poulnabrone Dolmen, County Clare
One of the most evocative images of the history of Ireland is the Poulnabrone dolmen set in the beautiful surroundings of the Burren in County Clare. Dating back over 5000 years, the most recent excavations back in the 1980s found the remains of sixteen people there, underpinning its importance historically.
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Poulnabrone Dolmen, County Clare
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Dun Aonghasa, Aran Islands
On the island of Inishmore, part of the Aran Islands and featuring in many aerial photographs of Ireland, this Bronze Age circular fort is thought to have been cut in half by erosion. Facing over the Atlantic ocean towards the neighboring island of Inishmore, this is the most spectacular sight on the Aran Islands, particularly at the time of the solstice.
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Dun Aonghasa, Aran Islands
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