Heritage Ireland

Newgrange is the best known of the 3 great passage tombs in the Brú na Bóinne complex.
The passage and chamber are aligned in a south-easterly direction, facing the rising sun at the winter solstice for several days around December 21st. A small window-like opening above the doorway known as the roof box allows the light from the midwinter rising sun to penetrate the chamber and dramatically illuminate it. This event can last for up to 17 minutes depending on weather conditions.