How to Celebrate Summer Solstice in Ireland

The people of Ireland celebrate summer solstice as a conjunction of both the Christian celebration of Saint John's Eve and a reverence for the old Irish gods. The day after Saint John's Eve is Saint John's Day, or the Feast of Saint John. Bonfires are lit in honor of Saint John, and in reference to the fires lit in ancient times for the Celtic god Aine. Pagans celebrate the holiday with earth and Celtic god worship at Ireland's ancient Druid sites.

Things You'll Need

• Comfortable shoes
• Period costume (optional for pagan celebrations)
• Tent and camping gear (optional for pagan festival)

Instructions

Experiance Ancient Irish Pagan Rituals

1. Visit a pagan celebration of summer solstice in Ireland to see self-proclaimed Druids execute their solstice rites. Gatherings typically begin in the early morning hours and include a ritual raising of staffs, a torchlight procession, poetry readings and a bonfire.

2. Dress in clothing reminiscent of the ancient peoples of Ireland, as most of the gathered crowd will. Outfits range from loose summer-style dresses to full Druid costumes of robes with hoods.

3. Head out to traditional pagan sites, such as Tara Hill, early to catch the entire festival and to ensure decent parking.

4. Wear sensible shoes like sneakers, as most of the celebration will be held on grass or dirt areas.

5. Compose a poem about ancient Ireland. Open poetry readings are held throughout the festival to honor the ancient Celtic gods.

6. Bring your tent and camping gear along to spend the night. The towns surrounding Tara Hill allow free camping for festival visitors.

Attend Festivals Honoring Saint John the Baptist

1. Celebrate the summer solstice in Ireland by attending a Midsummer carnival in remembrance of Saint John. These festivals are spread around the country and can be found by calling the tourism council.

2. Arrive a few days before the event, held on June 24, to see Bonfire Night. Bonfire Night is held on Saint John's Eve, the night before the summer solstice.

3. Try out the traditional snack called "Goody." Goody is made by soaking white bread in hot milk with sugar and spices.

Tips & Warnings

• Trying to snatch a stick from the bonfire and jumping across small fires are still Irish traditions, but due to obvious dangers, many fires are now cordoned off from the public.

• Note that people who practice witchcraft will attend pagan summer solstice festivals, so this may clash with your religious beliefs.