Summer Solstice: Why it's earlier this year and how many hours of daylight to expect 

This year marks the earliest Summer Solstice since 1796

Visitors wait to welcome the summer solstice at Drombeg Stone Circle outside Glandore, Co Cork. This year the solstice falls on June 20, the earliest since 1796. Picture: David Creedon

June 20 marks the longest day and the shortest night of the year for those of us in the northern hemisphere with the Summer Solstice taking place just before 10pm.

Here in Ireland up to 16 hours of daylight can be expected.