The ‘rolling-sun’ spectacle at Bohea, near Westport, occurred on Wednesday, 18^th April, and was witnessed by a sizeable crowd. The event, happens on two occasions yearly, in April and again on August 24^th, St. Bartholomew’s feast day, traditionally the first day of the harvest in Ireland. Bright sunlight gave the observers a perfect view of the happening, unlike other occasions we can recall.

The top photo, a multiple exposure, shows the setting sun as it descends on its path; the angle of descent reflecting the angle of the mountainside thus give the impression that the sun is ’rolling’ down the hillside. Photo Ó Gerry Bracken, Westport.

The lower photos show some Bronze-Age rock-art on the rock outcrop, and a small incised cross possibly carved there when the anti-catholic Penal Laws in Ireland forbade the celebration of the Mass. According to local lore, the Bohea Stone, also known as St. Patrick’s Chair was used as a mass-rock, a place where the ceremony was held in secret.

The bottom photo shows Denise and Karen Conway of Castlebar, in front of a large orthostat, close to the Bohea Stone.

The sun descending behind Croagh Patrick.

Bronxe-Age rock-art.

Incised cross possibly from the Penal days.

Denise and Karen Conway