VIDEO: President lights Bealtaine flame to mark start of summer

“Bealtaine, Bealtaine, Bealtaine!” was the cry that rang out high on the Hill of Uisneach where Uachtarán na hÉireann, President Michael D Higgins, officially welcomed the Irish summer on Saturday last.

“From darkness to light,” was the theme for those who rose early on May 6 to walk in aid of Pieta House and positive mental health, and that theme was carried through to Saturday evening’s Bealtaine Festival, where thousands of people congregated to enjoy the spectacle that lit up the night sky over Westmeath and the counties all around.

“Tonight we will light this fire and spread this light,” said Ruairí McKiernan, who welcomed Michael D to the Hill.

Mr McKiernan paid tribute to the community spirit that made the event possible, as well as the many artists and musicians, who all played their part in making it a magical evening for those present.

Michael D led the procession, following in the footsteps of Daniel O’Connell, Padraig Pearse and President Eamon De Valera in making an historic visit to the hill.

It is thought President Higgins may be the first Irish leader to light the ceremonial fire since the last High King, presumed to be Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, did so almost 1,000 years ago.

The Uisneach fire is a tradition going back thousands of years and marks Bealtaine, the traditional start of the Irish summer. Each year an enormous fire was lit on the hill in early May and the flame would be used to light satellite fires across the island.

This video footage captured some of the sights and sounds of last weekend's event: