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Summer Solstice
Date
Sunday 16th June and Thursday 20th June
Time
10:00 to 17:00 and 12:00 to 17:00
Learn all about rock art and the importance of the sun as we celebrate the Summer Solstice in Discovery History!
Thousands of years ago, people made their mark on the landscape of Ireland through prehistoric rock art. The motifs they carved are often referred to as cup and ring marks, with other shapes like spirals, lozenges and zig-zags featuring on Neolithic passage graves.
During our Discover History drop-in sessions, you can see real rock art and replicas from our collections. Find out how the sun interacts with rock art at places like Newgrange during this special time of year.
Were these decorated rocks meant to be route markers giving directions? Were they places of worship within prehistoric society? Or were they the work of a Neolithic artist expressing themselves? All to be revealed!
What to know
- Please note this event will take place on Sunday 16th June (10:00 to 17:00) and Thursday 20th June (12:00 to 17:00)
- This event will take place in Discover History
- Suitable for all ages and abilities.
- Drop-in session, free to attend.
This event is in partnership with the Festival of Archaeology (Sunday 16 June) at Stranmillis College, undertaken as part of the Community Archaeology Programme Northern Ireland (CAPNI) at Queen's University Belfast and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Image Credit: Reyfad, Six Decorated Stones, FER 210-013. Detail of cup and ring marks on the Reyfad stones. © Crown DfC Historic Environment Division