Winter Solstice sunrise at Newgrange - 19th December 2004

In 2004 the actual winter solstice fell on December 21st, however the sunrise illuminates the passage and chamber at Newgrange for a few days around the actual solstice date. 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.

Sunlight beginning to illuminate the white quartz
Sunlight beginning to illuminate the white quartz front of Newgrange at 9:02am

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

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

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

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

Boyne Valley Private Day Tours

Boyne Valley Tours Pick up and return to your accommodation or cruise ship. Suggested day tour: Newgrange World Heritage site, 10th century High Crosses at Monasterboice, Hill of Tara the seat of the High Kings of Ireland and the Hill of Slane where St. Patrick let a Paschal fire in 433  More ...