If summer is Ireland’s greatest adventure, then the solstice is the summit — the time when everything reaches its most thrilling height! On the Emerald Isle, the summer solstice means more than the longest day of the year (although this is most welcome after months of winter). Recognised for centuries, the solstice is one of the eight sacred Celtic holidays that’s steeped in tradition, ritual, and fun.
The long daylight hours present the perfect opportunity to celebrate, whether by joining the midsummer festivities or soaking up the sunlight outdoors. Here at Zipit, we love the solstice for the extra hours it gives us at our Forest Adventure Parks in Ireland!
If this is your first time joining the solstice revelry, or if you’re looking for new ways to celebrate, we’ve created this guide to the best summer solstice adventures in Ireland, with plenty of ideas for celebrating the longest day of the year. Keep reading for our suggestions, and feel free to get in touch with any questions about our treetop courses.
About the Summer Solstice in Ireland
In the northern hemisphere, the summer solstice typically takes place on June 20 or June 21. It’s when the sun takes its longest path through the sky, resulting in longer daylight hours. In Ireland, we can enjoy between 16 and 18 hours of daylight on the solstice!
Many of Ireland’s historic monuments and landmarks, especially stone circles, are aligned with the sunrise to mark the solstice. Historically, pagans would celebrate the longest day as symbolic of fertility and new beginnings, with plenty of bonfires and feasting. Many continue such traditions today in recognition of this significant Celtic holiday.
Welcome the Summer Solstice at the Hill of Tara
Once the seat of Ireland’s High Kings, the Hill of Tara in County Meath is one of Ireland’s most spiritually charged places to welcome the solstice. Over the years, it’s become a popular solstice destination to watch the sunrise, with people gathering from as early as 4 am.
As the sun rises over the surrounding plains, a golden glow falls across the 5,000-year-old site, creating a breathtaking connection between past and present. There’s music, dance, and even a spot of gymnastics as people observe the dawn.
For more ideas on what to do outside of the solstice, read our Ultimate Guide to Summer Adventures in Ireland!
Visit Grianán of Aileach, Donegal’s Temple of the Sun
Where better to mark the arrival of the summer solstice than Ireland’s very own temple of the sun? In County Donegal, Grianán of Aileach is a circular stone monument dating back thousands of years. The word “Grianán” translates to sunny place. And with its hilltop location, this landmark offers the ideal vantage point from which to observe the rising or setting sun. Enjoy an invigorating hike to 250 metres above sea level and take in the panoramic views from the top of Grianán of Aileach, best seen at golden hour.
Watch the Sunset at Carrowkeel Cairn
Not all solstice magic happens at sunrise — Carrowkeel Cairn in County Sligo offers a sublime sunset alternative. This ancient complex is nestled in the Bricklieve Mountains, with Cairn G providing the perfect position from which to watch the setting sun.
At this extraordinary passage tomb, the sun shines through the roofbox in the month preceding the solstice and for a few weeks after. You can step inside the impressively engineered cairn and watch as the rays shine through the stones. Carrowkeel is a quiet, less-visited spot ideal for mindful reflection and photography.
Looking for more outdoor adventures to enjoy? Read our blog about Hidden Forest Adventures in Ireland for inspiration!
Join the Celebrations at Cork Midsummer Festival
For those who prefer a more buzzing celebration, Cork Midsummer Festival brings together culture, creativity, and community over several days in June, including the solstice. Expect theatre, music, art installations, and dance performances that animate Cork. The vibrant street performances are a particular highlight, turning the city streets into a stage.
In 2025, an unmissable exhibition is Helios — where you can see the sun up close, as rendered by artist Luke Jerram. It will even be open on the day of the solstice from 4.30 am, offering you an unparalleled view of the planet at the centre of the solstice.
Relish the Outdoors with Zipit
The solstice is all about soaking up the light — and what better way to do that than with outdoor adventure in the treetops? At Zipit Forest Adventures, we invite you to celebrate the longest day of the year by swinging, climbing, and ziplining your way through the canopies!
We have incredible locations to choose from, with our Tibradden Wood Zipit Adventure Park in Dublin, Lough Key Zipit Adventure Park in Co. Roscommon, and our Farran Park Zipit Adventure Park in Co. Cork. Our courses are suitable for anyone aged seven and up, making this a great activity for a family day out. Reach new heights all while surrounded by nature in its full midsummer bloom! Book your tickets online to make sure you have your spot for the solstice! We can’t wait to celebrate with you.
