The winter solstice sunrise at Newgrange will be livestreamed on 21 December, giving viewers the chance to watch as sunlight enters the prehistoric tomb through the roof box and moves down the passage to illuminate the chamber, creating a stunning light display. This annual event highlights the remarkable ingenuity of the Neolithic builders who, around 3,200 BC, achieved an astronomical alignment with the winter solstice sunrise with great precision.
The winter solstice at Newgrange will once again be shared with a global audience through a livestream broadcast, according to the Office of Public Works (OPW) and the National Monuments Service (NMS). Newgrange passage tomb is part of the Brú na Bóinne prehistoric complex in Co. Meath – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. First livestreamed in 2020, the broadcast of this extraordinary celestial event from inside Newgrange gives viewers from around the world the opportunity to witness the illumination of the tomb’s chamber by the rising sun.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice occurs every year on 21 or 22 December, when the sun follows its shortest path through the sky, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year. On the mornings of the solstice, and for a couple of days on either side, the passage and chamber of Newgrange are aligned with the rising sun.
On a clear winter solstice morning, at sunrise, a beam of direct sunlight enters Newgrange through a small opening above its entrance, known as the “roof box”. The shaft of light travels 19 metres (62ft) along the passage before reaching the chamber. As the sun rises higher, the beam widens, flooding the entire chamber with light for a brief but breathtaking 17 minutes. This spectacular phenomenon indicates the advanced astronomical knowledge of the tomb’s builders more than 5,000 years ago.
How to watch the winter solstice at Newgrange
This year’s high-definition winter solstice broadcast from Newgrange will air at 08.40 (UTC) in Ireland this Saturday morning, 21 December, on the RTÉ News channel. It will also be available worldwide on the OPW’s YouTube channel, the Heritage Ireland website, the RTÉ Player and the RTÉ News app, allowing viewers to watch from the comfort of their own home. The livestream will feature expert commentary from Dr Clare Tuffy and Dr Frank Prendergast, who will provide insights into the astronomical, cultural, archaeological and historical significance of the event and the monument.
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While access to the tomb itself on the mornings of the winter solstice is limited to Solstice Lottery Draw winners, the livestream ensures that this extraordinary spectacle can be enjoyed anywhere in the world. Rosemary Collier, Head of Heritage Services and Capital Works Delivery at the OPW, expressed her excitement about the upcoming livestream:
“Every year, the Winter Solstice receives much attention worldwide. At Newgrange, visitors gather at the ancient tomb to celebrate and experience the illumination of this ancient passage tomb, just as people did over 5,000 years ago. I am delighted to announce that the winter solstice at Newgrange will be livestreamed again this year. People can share in this experience by watching the livestream online and on television in the comfort of their own homes.”
A F F I L I A T E. A D
Remember, there is no guarantee of sunlight entering the chamber on the winter solstice morning, as the event is entirely weather-dependent.
Recordings of previous solstice events at Newgrange from 2020, 2021 and 2023 are available on the OPW’s YouTube channel.
Travelling to Newgrange for the winter solstice
Although entry inside Newgrange during the winter solstice has been determined by a lottery, everyone else is welcome to visit and watch the event from outside the tomb.
Preparation is key if you’re planning to experience the winter solstice at Newgrange in person. Access to Newgrange is only available via the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, located at Eircode A92 EH5C. Both the visitor centre and Newgrange will open early on solstice mornings (19–23 December). Access to the centre and Newgrange is free until 9am on these days.
There is no parking at the tomb itself and parking at the visitor centre is limited, so carpooling is recommended. Visitors should allow ample time to park and take the complimentary shuttle bus from the visitor centre to Newgrange.
While entry to the chamber inside Newgrange passage tomb at sunrise is reserved for Solstice Lottery Draw winners, access for others will be granted in groups after sunrise; however, long queues are to be expected.
Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre will be open at the following times on the solstice mornings:
- Thursday, 19 December: 07:00
- Friday, 20 December: 07:00
- Saturday, 21 December: 06:15
- Sunday, 22 December: 06:45
- Monday, 23 December: 07:00
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For more information and advice on travelling to Newgrange for the winter solstice, visit HeritageIreland.ie.
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