Special Laois Winter Solstice sunrise gathering on Rock of Dunamase

A special Laois event marking the Solstice sunrise after the shortest day of the year takes place in a historic place this weekend.

The Merry Mill organic and gluten free flour company in Vicarstown will again host a Winter Solstice sunrise celebration, on top of the Rock of Dunamase. The event has become a lovely pagan tradition in Laois in the past decade.

Their guests in the past have included Jack Lukeman who like others breaks into song as the sun rises.

Revellers are invited to share the special moment, in a pre Christian celebration with chanting, sun salutations and a lovely organic porridge breakfast provided by the Merry Mill.

"To celebrate the Winter Solstice we are hosting a social gathering on the Rock of Dunamase this Sunday, 21st of December at 8:15a.

"We invite you to share your creativity through reciting a poem, playing an instrument or singing a son.

"We can’t tell you what to expect because each and every year is different, but we can guarantee it will be an experience you won’t forget.

"This is an environmentally friendly event, please bring your own keep cup and spoon. Looking forward to seeing you all there," say the Merry Mill.

The Rock of Dunamase, located off the N80 Portlaoise to Stradbally Road, is undergoing a new visitor carpark, due to open in 2026. Work was preceded by the biggest archeological dig ever at the ancient ruins, yielding exciting finds.

The ruined Irish castle was the location for a short film recently by the American director of Ghost Whisperer, to be premiered in January 2026.