In 2004 the winter solstice mid point is the 21st December, however the winter solstice sunrise illuminates the passage and chamber at Newgrange for a few days around the mid point. The weather forecast was promising for Sunday the 19th, so I joined a small group at the entrance to the mound and was duly rewarded with a beautiful sunrise.

Newgrange entrance fully illuminated by glorious rays of sunshine at 9:15am




Sun light in the passage at Newgrange viewed from the entrance.




Sunrise over a standing stone viewed from the entrance of Newgrange.




The lucky people selected by lottery leaving the chamber at 9:22am

Winter Solstice Dates

Solstice literally means 'Sun Stands Still', for a few days around the time of the winter solstice the sun appears to stand still in the sky in that its elevation at noon does not seem to change. Click here for more information.

 

Rainbow at Newgrange, winter solstice 2002 Sized for use as background wallpaper 800 x 600 - size 43kb 1024 x 768 - size 79kb More background wallpaper images.