Laois Today: In Pictures: Crowds gather to watch at Rock of Dunamase to watch sun rise on Summer Solstice

What a way to start the day!

The Rock of Dunamase has long been one of Laois’s most idyllic spots and this morning to mark Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year, crowds gathered at the ancient site to watch the sun rise.

While this has been an annual event for the past ten years or so in Laois, it has moved on a level over the past three years.

And this morning – as well as music, poetry, some gentle stretching prior to the sun rising to an encouraging cheer before 5am – it was a local celebration of sorts too.

Kevin Scully from nearby Vicarstown and the owner of the Merry Mill gluten free organic oats business was the main organiser and there was porridge for all and sundry when they arrived back to the car park area.

Richard O’Connell from Mueller O’Connell Bakery and Helen Gee from G’s Jam were also there with refreshments as were Rural Vegabonds, who were dishing out tea, coffee and hot chocolate.

There was also a strong representation from Laois Tourism while the #LoveLaois sign, from the LaoisToday summer campaign to enjoy the best our county has to offer and to think and support local in the wake of the Coronavirus, made an appearance too.

And crucially the rain held off, making it a most pleasant morning for all concerned.

You can check out a selection of photos below.