Hundreds flock to Kilkenny passage tomb to celebrate the winter solistice

From early morning people gathered at the ancient site in Knockroe in the Lingaun Valley to celebrate the winter solstice.

Almost 400 people observed a druidic blessing to mark the dawn alignment, which took place at 8.40am with many more in attendance this afternoon for the evening alignment.

Professor Muiris O Sullivan, who excavated the tomb in the 1990s spoke about the rich heritage of the ancient site.

The slow beating of drums and gentle chanting of some of the people gathered reverberated across the Lingaun Valley to mark the winter solistice.

Men, women and children soaked up the sacred atmosphere in the most beautiful surroundings on this, the shortest day of the year.

For full report and picture special see the New Year's edition of the Kilkenny People.