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Celebrate this year’s Winter Solstice on the shortest day of the year - Saturday, December 21 - in aid of Kerry Hospice Foundation Palliative Care.

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, mystic and majesty. The Goddess Anú represents all that is earthly fertile, abundant and protective.

With kind permission of local landowner Sean O’Donoghue, Glenflesk, and neighbour Jimmy Moynihan, the walk departs from Garries Bridge - the first bridge after St Agatha’s Church, Glenflesk, meeting at 5.45am. A long walk in to the summit has two strenuous inclines, leading  to the Western Pap at 690 metres. Sunrise and craic begin 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.

After descending the ancient mountain, a ceremonial solstice of coffee and scones takes place in the Plaza Hotel, Killarney at 10.30am. Donation of €20 per adult will be collected on the morning and afterwards in Killarney Plaza Hotel.

It is advised to wear/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.