Winter Solstice sunrise at Newgrange - 19th December 2004

In 2004 the winter solstice mid point was 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.

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

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

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Monasterboice
Hill of Tara
Bective Abbey
Trim Castle

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

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Boyne Valley Tours

Private Tour with pick up and return to your accommodation. Newgrange World Heritage site, the 10th century High Crosses at Monasterboice, Hill of Tara the seat of the High Kings, Bective Abbey and Trim Castle the largest Norman castle in Ireland More ...

Boyne Valley Day Tours