Incarnation celebration in Ireland

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Castebar youth bring in the Christmas season with a concert and pantomime of the account of the birth of Jesus. Although I was not present (it's about 4000 miles away on Ireland's western shore) I got to virtually be there via some pictures. If you haven't check out the Castlebar website you should. It is filled with local news and photos of County Mayo.
I only passed through Castlebar when I visited Ireland back a few years ago, but this is a bustling county town but I digress. I just wanted to again make note of those who recognize Christmas as a time to recognize the birth of Jesus. It is amazing how the birth of one person effected the whole world even though his birth probably went unnoticed at the time. In fact December 25 may not even be the exact date of birth. Some place the birth in late September although some place the conception of Jesus on December 25. That's pretty weird but would agree with what some label as the incarnation. Ancient Ireland probably celebrated this time of year by recognizing it as a turning point in the calendar. Several ancient artifacts (i.e. New Grange) seem to suggest structures built to coincide with the solstice similar to stuff at Stonehenge. Well, a few centuries later a fellow comes speaking of one who came at just the right time, bridging the spiritual with the real- incarnation.
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us."
I wonder what these Irish thought of this? Was it alien to them? Or had there been a structure that pre-existed that somehow enlighted them, where the shadows became substance?

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