Newgrange Winter Solstice
Newgrange is one of 40 passage tombs in Brú na Bóinne (meaning the bend of the Boyne River) in County Meath. During sunrise on the Winter Solstice mornings (19 – 23 December each year) a beam of sun light penetrates the roof-box and travels up to 19-metres (62 ft) along the passage, and illuminates the chamber. As the sun rises higher, the beam widens, dramatically lighting up the entire chamber.
Solstice Livestream
On Saturday 21 December, the Solstice will be livestreamed from inside the ancient passage tomb at Newgrange. The livestream event allows audiences to witness this awe-inspiring event in high definition from the comfort of their own home. The livestream is accompanied by a wonderful narration that describes the event in detail. Our specialists, Dr Clare Tuffy and Dr Frank Prendergast, will guide you through this spectacular event, providing unique insights and perspectives on the significance of the Winter Solstice.
We are inviting visitors from around the world to witness this ancient spectacle through the livestream link and experience the wonder of this celestial event and connect with a tradition that spans the millennia. The livestream will be available to watch from 08.40 UTC on the RTÉ News channel, and worldwide on the RTÉ Player, RTÉ.ie and the RTÉ News app. It can be viewed via the following platforms:
Travelling to Newgrange for Solstice?
We look forward to seeing you there! Here’s what you need to know:
- This is an outdoor event. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.
- There is no car park at Newgrange National Monument. All access to Newgrange is via the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre (A92 EH5C).
- Limited free parking is available at Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre. Carpooling is strongly advised. Please allow sufficient time to arrive, park and then take the free shuttle bus from the Visitor Centre to Newgrange.
- Road Closures are in place, please ensure you are familiar with these by checking the Meath County Council website and the maps below.
- No animals allowed, except for registered assistance dogs with appropriate documentation.
- Access to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre to visit Newgrange is free of charge until 09.00 on the mornings of the Solstice (19 – 23 December inclusive).
- Access to the chamber inside Newgrange for sunrise is restricted to Solstice Lottery Draw Winners. If you wish to go in afterwards, you are welcome to queue on the right hand side of the entrance and visitors will be accommodated in groups.
- Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre will be open at the following times on the Solstice mornings:
Thursday 19 December 07:00
Friday 20 December 07:00
Saturday 21 December 06:15
Sunday 22 December 06:45
Monday 23 December 07:00
Solstice Lottery
Access to the chamber on Solstice mornings is determined by a public lottery each year. This year, the Newgrange Winter Solstice Draw took place on Monday, 7th October 2024.
Pupils from local schools had the important job of drawing just 38 lucky winners from the 18,809 applications received. Each winner, along with a guest, will have exclusive access to the chamber at Newgrange for sunrise on one of the five solstice mornings from December 19th – 23rd. The winners were drawn from locations across Ireland and around the globe, including Austria, Canada, the United States, Spain and the UK.
Solstice 2025
The deadline for applications by email for Winter Solstice 2024 has now closed. Any applications received will be entered into the Winter Solstice Draw 2025. If applying by email for Winter Solstice 2025, please include your name, address, country of residence and telephone number. Email your application to brunaboinne@opw.ie
Application forms are also available in the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre.
