There were all-night vigils at the Hill of Howth, Bray Head and Killiney Hill and not a word about eye damage the last time a total eclipse was visible anywhere near us more than 70 years ago.
The Irish Times for June 29th, 1927, provided extensive coverage of the activity: "It was raining in Dublin early this morning when the motor-car parties began to leave the city for Howth, Bray Head and Killiney Hill, where they had hoped to get an uninterrupted view of the eclipse." it was reported. "A splendid view . . . would be obtained from this eminence should favourable weather prevail." Particularly large numbers were expected at Bray Head where hotel accommodation was in great demand and "quite a large number of people watched the eclipse from the roofs of their house".
In 1927, the path of totality stretched across the northern tip of Wales, taking in Bangor, and then crossing into England, where it could be seen in Liverpool, Blackpool and Sunderland. As is the case this time, Ireland only experienced a partial eclipse.
Under the headline How the Multitude Awaited the Phenomenon, the paper noted that eclipse fever had people taking an unusual interest in the weather forecast, which promised a depression moving from the Shetland Islands.
"The depression was reflected in the spirits of all eclipse enthusiasts. They would not have known an anti-cyclone if they met it in the street but the word `depression' had a tangible meaning for all. There seemed to be a general feeling that if the Shetlanders had a proper sense of decency, they would have retained their depression, at least until after the eclipse," The Irish Times writer observed.
The dismal weather predictions (Bad Weather Mars Nocturnal Revels In Totality Belt) did not stop the eclipse chasers. "Scenes of great animation were witnessed at Holyhead during the early hours of the morning," it was reported.
"Two hundred passengers arrived from Ireland on the night mail boat to go to Colwyn Bay to see the eclipse. Over 600 persons, including residents, left Holyhead by special train shortly after 3.30 a.m. this morning while many travelled by road to the eclipse zone."
None of the Dublin astronomers could be found at home after 8 p.m., the paper said: "Even the weather experts had all left home to see the eclipse either in Great Britain or from some eminence in this country."
At Baldonnel Aerodrome, the paper reported that "extensive preparations" for viewing the eclipse were being made. "Several of the military aeroplanes were detailed to make an ascent at the time of the eclipse."