Tara Samhain Sunrise
The Samhain Sunrise in early November illuminates the chamber of
the Mound of the Hostages on the Hill of Tara. Samhain is the cross quarter of
the astronomical year, half way between the autumn equinox
and the winter solstice. The
equinox sunrise
illuminates Cairn T at Loughcrew and the
winter
solstice sunrise illuminates the passage and chamber of
the great mound at Newgrange.
This Samhain Sunrise was photographed on the 13th of November about a
week after the cross quarter day, so the rising sun illuminated the side
of the chamber rather than the back. The parallel lines are a shadow
from the iron gate at the entrance to the mound.

Mound of the Hostages at 8:07am on November 13th 2005
Lia Fáil (Stone of Destiny) in the Samhain sunrise, now standing on the King's
Seat or Forrad, the stone once stood in front of the entrance to the Mound of Hostages.
According to legend on the inauguration of a worthy high king the stone would roar its approval.

Sheep grazing on the Hill of Tara in the Samhain sunshine.

Samhain sunrise on the Hill of Tara viewed from King's Seat or Forrad.
Boyne Valley Private Day Tours

Pick up and return to your accommodation or cruise ship. Suggested day tour:
Newgrange World Heritage site, 10th century High Crosses at Monasterboice,
Hill of Tara the seat of the High Kings of Ireland and the Hill of Slane where St. Patrick let a Paschal fire in 433
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