Here Comes the Sun: Buncrana photographer captures ‘magical’ Spring Equinox image

A Buncrana photographer has captured a striking image marking the Spring Equinox, heralding the arrival of longer, brighter days.

Donal Kearney’s stunning photograph, taken at dawn on Thursday at An Grianan of Aileach, shows sunlight streaming through an opening in the ancient stone fort, perfectly framing the seasonal shift from winter darkness to spring light.

The image has drawn admiration for its symbolism and timing, with the sun illuminating the historic structure just as day and night reach near-equal length in Inishowen.

The name ‘Grianan’, meaning ‘sunny place’, only adds further resonance to the moment, making the photograph especially fitting for the occasion.

Donal, who has visited the Burt site several times for both Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, said this was the first time conditions aligned so perfectly. His early start, with a 5.15 am alarm and a trek up to the fort before sunrise, proved worthwhile.

“I've been to An Grianan quite a few times for both the Spring and Autumn Equinox, but I've never been as lucky as I was this time, with the footage that I got,” he explains.

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He described the experience as both rare and memorable. Standing at the site with just three other people, all waiting for the sun to rise, he reflected on the uniqueness of the moment.

“I thought out of the millions of people in the world, there were only four of us experiencing this phenomenon at this spot; it was indeed magical.”

Meanwhile, the exact arrival of the Vernal Equinox in Ireland was Friday, March 20 at 2.46pm. From here on in, the days will be longer than the nights.