Newgrange
Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice sunrise at Newgrange

The mornings leading up to the 21st of December 2006 were foggy, so it was wonderful that the winds picked up to banish the fog and let the sun through to illuminate Newgrange.

The passage and chamber inside the ancient mound at Newgrange are illuminated by the winter solstice sunrise. A shaft of sunlight shines through the roof box over the entrance and penetrates the passage to light up the chamber.

The dramatic event lasts for 17 minutes at dawn on a few days before and after the Winter Solstice. Admission to the chamber at Newgrange for the Winter Solstice sunrise is by lottery.

Newgrange Winter Solstice sunrise - 21st December 2006.

Sunrise viewed from the Newgrange mound

Newgrange Winter Solstice sunrise

Newgrange Winter Solstice sunrise

Day Tours
to
Newgrange
Monasterboice
Hill of Tara
Bective Abbey
Trim Castle

Loughcrew
Equinox

Newgrange fully illuminated by the Winter Solstice Sunrise

Close up of the Roof Box which channels the sun's rays to the Chamber

This photography by Alan Betson taken in 2004 shows the beam of sunlight inside the passage at Newgrange.

More Images from 2004.

The 2006 Winter Solstice Draw took place on the 29th of September, there were 27,485 applications. Application forms are now available at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre for the 2007 Winter Solstice Draw.

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