The iconic natural phenomenon sees the neolithic passage tomb illuminated with light as the sun rises on the shortest day of the year.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) announced that they will live-stream the famous winter solstice sunrise at Newgrange Heritage Site in County Meath again this year.
Spectators worldwide can tune in to watch the event live each morning from 20 to 22 December.
Normally a small group would be able to visit the passage tomb to witness the natural phenomenon in person. However, due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19, the OPW closed the historic passage tomb.
An incredible natural event – an unforgettable experience
People worldwide can tune in online to watch the live-stream of the winter solstice sunrise at Newgrange again this year.
The winter solstice was one of the most important events in pre-Christian Ireland and around the world. Each year, ancient cultures from all over the world celebrated the shortest day of the year. On this day, the sun shines directly over the tropic of Capricorn.
The alignment of the tomb to face the rising sun on the winter solstice is a significant astronomical finding. Researchers have compiled a significant body of evidence to prove that the solar illumination of the tomb was intentional.
In-depth studies – discovering the significance of the winter solstice sunrise at Newgrange
The OPW has teamed up with the National Monuments Services (NMS) again to make the phenomenon available to watch online.
Thanks to their hard work, people worldwide can tune in online to watch the natural phenomenon. The live-stream of the winter solstice at Newgrange will be available on gov.ie/opw and heritageireland.ie.
The two bodies will resume work this December on an important research project. To determine the significance of the phenomenon, they have been measuring and monitoring the sunlight’s movement through the tomb.
Malcolm Noonan TD is Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform. He said, “The solstice has long been celebrated as a time of rebirth and renewal as we look forward to the prospect of brighter days ahead.
“I pay tribute to our NMS and OPW colleagues for their work to ensure we end another year with a ray of hope.”
A breathtaking event – keeping the public safe
Patrick O’Donovan TD is the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works. Announcing the live-stream of the winter solstice at Newgrange again this year, he acknowledged the importance of this phenomenon.
He said, “I understand the disappointment of the public with the closure of the tomb chamber during the pandemic, especially at this significant time of the year.
Continued, he said, “Watching the light creep into the 5,000-year-old passage tomb in real-time is a moving event. It has the power to fill us with wonder at the ancient architects’ ingenuity and with hope for the future.”
Road closures will be in place around Newgrange in County Meath. So, officials advise members of the public not to travel directly to the site. You can enter through the Visitor Centre before travelling to the monument.
Adhering to the Government Guidelines, visitors must wear face coverings within the Centre and on buses.
