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Heritage Ireland

Newgrange Winter Solstice Lottery 2024

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.

Newgrange Passage Tomb, Co. Meath, Ireland The Winter Solstice

Access to the chamber on Solstice mornings is determined by a public lottery each year. This year, the Newgrange Winter Solstice Lottery Draw 2024 will take place on Monday, 7th October 2024. A select number of places will be available across the 5 solstice mornings for exclusive access to the chamber at Newgrange. Places are not transferable.

Lottery application forms are available from the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre. The closing date for receipt of completed application forms is Sunday 6th October 2024 at 17.00. Completed application forms must be returned in person to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre.
Only applicants age 10 and over will be accepted.

Email applications

The deadline for applications by email for Winter Solstice 2024 has now closed. Any applications received will be entered into the Winter Solstice Lottery 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

Newgrange Passage Tomb,Co Meath Ireland. The Winter Solstice,from the Chamber.
Newgrange Passage Tomb,Co Meath Ireland. The Winter Solstice,from the Chamber.
Winter solstice after dawn
Winter solstice after dawn

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