Kilkenny Castle to be lit up as locals asked to Shine a Light for frontline workers at 9pm

Kilkenny Castle is to be lit up at 9pm and locals are being asked to shine a light out of their windows as part of the national tribute to those who have died or have been diagnosed with Covid-19 and to frontline workers fighting the pandemic.

As part of the campaign Government buildings and other national and local public buildings will shine their beacon lights.

Many of Ireland’s main cultural and heritage sites will be lit as part of the campaign including the National Gallery, National Museum, National Concert Hall and National Library while many of the country’s monuments will also be lit including the Rock of Cashel, Ross Castle, Ormonde Castle, Casino Marino and Cahir Castle.

National Parks throughout the country – including Killarney National Park and Glenveagh National Park – will also be taking part in the campaign with lights shining in Visitor Centres, where possible.

The #ShineYourLight campaign is similar to a previous effort to encourage people to applaud healthcare workers from their front doors, balconies or windows in late March.

President Michael D Higgins has called on Irish people to take part in the action and “place a light in their windows in a gesture of shared solidarity, and hope in a time of darkness”.

The campaign calls for people to either use a torch, the flash light on their phones, a candle, or even Christmas lights at their front windows.

The south Dublin Poolbeg incinerator is also to be lit up blue every evening from this evening.