I also found this very interesting: – That Imbolc was an important time to the ancient inhabitants of Ireland can be seen at a number of Megalithic and Neolithic sites, such as the Mound of the Hostages at the Hill of Tara. At this site in County Meath the inner chamber of the passage tomb is aligned with the rising sun of both Imbolc and Samhain,[5] similar to the winter solstice phenomena seen at Newgrange, where the rising sun shines down the passageway and illuminates the inner chamber of the tomb.
-with regard to the double sunset phenomenon at mid-winter and what seems like mid-autumn (Nov 10ish) and it all ties into the legend that Barga may have been an important site of sun worship and the study of astronomy.

It's all wonderful stuff and in any case it means: You're out of the woods, you're out of the dark, you're out of the night, step into the sun, step into the light…

If the conditions are right and you are in the right place at the right time, it is possible twice a year to see the doppio tramonto – the double sunset. This is when the sun drops down behind the mountains and then shines through the natural arch of the Monte Forato.

It happens twice a year – around the 30th January and then again around the 11th November

This year it was once again obscured by low clouds

And was the double sunset visible? It's around this time too. There are many events to mark and celebrate mid-winter.