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Carrowkeel Tombs Summer Solstice Hike
June 21, 2019 @ 2:30 pm - 6:00 pm
$10.00 – $20.00Join us this summer solstice for a phenomenal 2-3hr hike to the prehistoric megalithic tombs of Carrowkeel, Co. Sligo. This is a special time of the year where one of the ancient megalithic tombs is aligned with the solstice on 21st June amd you can be there at this special moment.
At the time of building over 5000 years ago, the tomb was aligned and positioned with the height of the sun in the sky on solstice, in mind. The ancient race who lived in these mountains thousands of years ago built these very special graves for their deceased loved ones. Another site of significance where the rays of the sun light up the back burial chamber of a hugh passage grave called Newgrange in Co. Meath. This however is at the opposite solstice, the winter solstice. Why did the builders do this? Why is it different to the summer solstice? We can discuss that on the day!
Your Archaeologist guide will give you loads of information on the sites, their use, the surrounding landscape and the latest discoveries/research being carried out on the bone and artefacts that were found here a long time ago. Prepare for a late afternoon walk to tie in with the actual solstice time on the day.. Bring hiking boots and water and a warm jacket and hat as it can sometimes get chilly at the tombs. Max height 326 metres. Terrain- rocky, uneven, some stepped bog/peat.
Meeting at Castlebaldwin Petrol Station on the N4 no later than 2.30pm. We can carpool from there. Look for Auriel, your guide in a blue jacket! Call 087 2405071 if any problem on the day. There is no refund if you cancel within 14 days of the tour date. You can bring children but preferably not under 6 years as their attention span may not be great at that time of day and we will be out for c. 3 hrs. Adult: 20, Child: 10.
We will serve complimentary tea/coffee/treats during and after the walk. Book here via the events calendar, thank you!