Cnoc Áine sunset - after Béltaine blessing request

Every year since before the Celts, Áine's Hill/Cnoc Áine has been the place to go to receive her blessing for several important things: health of the cattle & purity of their milk; and sanctity of the king or chief's land stewardship.

Taking all Béltaine evening and night to accomplish it, sometimes 10's of thousands of head of cattle were driven deisail-spiral up to Cnoc Áine's summit and then over a ramp between two purifying fires. Between 1849 and 2003 the ritual was stopped by the Church, but now portions of "Asking Áine's Blessing" for the cattle (and their calves, and milk) are done again... and the cattle come of their own accord.

Photographed shortly after sunset, beginning Béltaine... with the ritual concluded.
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