Winter Solstice Sunrise at Newgrange, Dec. 2002

The winter solstice at Newgrange is one of the most remarkable ancient solar events in the world. Around the shortest day of the year, the rising sun aligns perfectly with the passage of this great Neolithic monument in the Boyne Valley. Built about 3200 BC, Newgrange predates both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, yet its builders designed the tomb with extraordinary precision so that sunlight enters the chamber only on the days around the winter solstice.

On clear mornings around the solstice, the rays of the rising sun shine through the famous roof-box above the entrance. The narrow beam of light travels slowly along the passage and eventually reaches the chamber at the centre of the mound. For 17 minutes the chamber, normally in complete darkness, is illuminated by warm golden sunlight before the beam fades again.

The winter solstice sunrise behind a standing stone, view from the entrance of the passage tomb.

Watching the winter solstice sunrise from outside the monument can be just as memorable as witnessing the illumination inside. As dawn breaks over the Boyne Valley, the light of the rising sun slowly spreads across the landscape and the great mound of Newgrange begins to glow in the early morning light.

The alignment of the monument with the winter solstice sunrise demonstrates the deep understanding of seasonal cycles possessed by its builders. For Neolithic communities the return of the sun after the darkest days of the year may have symbolised renewal, hope and the continuation of life.

A rainbow appeared just before the sun shone directly on the Newgrange mound.

The weather on solstice morning can be unpredictable, but sometimes nature adds its own dramatic touches to the scene. Passing showers followed by sunshine can create a rainbow above the monument, adding colour to the winter sky as the light begins to illuminate the mound.

The white quartz stone illuminated by the solstice sunrise with a rainbow to complete the spectacle.

The famous quartz façade at the front of Newgrange reflects the morning light particularly well. As the sun rises higher, the stones begin to shine brightly, creating a striking contrast with the darker kerbstones that encircle the mound.

The clouds gathered at the back of the mound but thankfully the winter solstice early morning sunshine shone brightly on the front of the mound.

Inside the monument the most important moment occurs when the sunlight finally reaches the chamber. The beam of light moves slowly along the passage floor and up the stones lining the corridor before illuminating the central chamber.

Sunlight in the passage at Newgrange, photographed from the entrance, the sunbeam high on the orthostats, the stones lining the passage, illuminates the chamber.

Only a small number of people are allowed inside the chamber each year through a lottery system operated by the Office of Public Works. However, many others gather outside the monument to experience the sunrise and to celebrate the turning point of the year, when the days begin to grow longer again after midwinter.

Clearly pleased to be at Newgrange on a mild winter solstice morning.

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.

Newgrange Winter Solstice Archive