Celebrating this year's Winter Solstice will take place on Sunday, December 18 in aid of the Kerry Hospice Foundation Palliative Care.

SOLSTICE: Having a Sunday Solstice this year will allow people to travel and have time to savour the day. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

SOLSTICE PAST: Batty O’Sullivan (left) Rachael Cullen John O’Sullivan Paddy Lawlor Shanon Cullen and Mike Doherty Shane Dennehy and Chris Crowley previously enjoying the Winter Solstice on the summit of the Paps of Anú in aid of Kerry Hospice Foundation Palliative Care. Photo: Valerie O'Sullivan

The astronomical calendar is getting closer to what is the shortest day of the year - on Wednesday, December 21 - but as it falls on a week day this year, organisers are planning to have a Sunday Solstice to allow people to travel and have time to savour the day.

These ancient sacred summits, ‘The Paps of Anú’, resemble a pair of breast shaped hills known as ‘The Paps’ in the Derry Na Saggart Mountains close to the Cork Kerry border. The Paps have long been associated with mythology, mysticism and majesty. The Goddess Anú represents all that is earthly, fertile, abundant and protective.

With kind permission of local landowners Sean and Mary O’Donoghue, Glenflesk, and neighbour Jimmy Moynihan, the walk departs from Garries Bridge - the first bridge after St Agatha’s Church, Glenflesk, meeting at 6.30am.

A long walk in darkness to the summit, it has two strenuous inclines, leading to the Western Pap at 690 metres. At approximately 8.45am sunrise and craic begins, with Glenflesk's finest musicians Derry and Rosie Healy, setting the pace for a Kerry polka set, followed by an ancient ceremonial blessing by another Glenflesk native, Mary Cronin. The trek will be led by expert mountaineer Donie Mulcahy and crew.

A donation of €20 will be collected on the morning of the walk. It is compulsory to bring a head torch, warm clothes, hiking boots, waterproof jacket and pants, gloves, hat, food and a drink. A good level of fitness is required. Guides will be on duty for gear check before departure.