Experience the Winter Solstice live from Newgrange - Livestream Link now available

The Office of Public Works (OPW) and National Monuments Services (NMS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are delighted to announce that viewers can witness the Winter Solstice sunrise at Newgrange live through the livestream link from the comfort of their own homes.

Each year, the Winter Solstice sunrise illuminates the inner chamber of Newgrange, a UNESCO World Heritage Property and one of Ireland’s most iconic prehistoric monuments. This rare phenomenon, which has captivated visitors for generations, marks the shortest day of the year.

This year, the OPW is inviting viewers to host coffee mornings with friends and family to experience the beauty and wonder of the Winter Solstice in high definition without having to leave their homes. Viewers are encouraged to share their experiences on our social media platforms using the hashtag #ShareTheSolstice #NewgrangeSolstice.

The OPW is delighted to announce that RTE will broadcast live from the ancient passage tomb at Newgrange on Sunday, 21 December, from 8:40a.m. The livestream will be available at the links below:

• www.rte.ie/player
• gov.ie/opw
• heritageireland.ie
• youtube/opw

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 viewers through this spectacular event, providing unique insights and perspectives on the significance of the Winter Solstice.

Please note as there is limited on-site access, the OPW is advising the public? to experience this remarkable event through the high-quality online broadcast in their homes or with family and friends.

For those intending on travelling to Newgrange during the Winter Solstice please be advised that access to the monument will be restricted. Please see relevant information below and at the link – heritageireland.ie

• 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 the Visitor Centre. Please follow the direction of the parking attendants on duty. Carpooling is strongly advised.
• Please allow sufficient time to arrive, park, go through the Visitor Centre and take the free shuttle bus to Newgrange. Buses will run from 06:30 on 21 December. The last bus will depart for Newgrange Monument at 08:30 sharp.
• Road Closures will be in place on 20 and 21 December in the area, please ensure you are familiar with these by checking 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 08:30 on the mornings of the Solstice (19– 23 December inclusive).
• Access to the chamber inside Newgrange for sunrise is restricted to our Solstice Lottery Draw Winners. If you wish to go inside afterwards, you are welcome to queue on the right hand side of the entrance to the monument and visitors will be accommodated in groups. Please cooperate with the OPW guide staff on duty.
• Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre will be open at the following times on the Solstice mornings:
  • • Friday 19 December 07:30, first bus 08:00
    • Saturday 20 December 07:00, first bus 07:30
    • Sunday 21 December 06:15, first bus 06:30
    • Monday 22 December 07:30, first bus 08:00
    • Tuesday 23 December 07:30, first bus 08:00

OPW spokespersons are available for interview upon request to discuss the events. For further information please contact pressoffice@opw.ie.

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NOTES

Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice is an astronomical phenomenon which marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Winter Solstice occurs on December 21 or 22, when the sun shines directly over the tropic of Capricorn. At sunrise on the shortest day of the year, for 17 minutes, direct sunlight can enter the Newgrange monument, not through the doorway, but through the specially contrived small opening above the entrance known as the ‘roof box’, to illuminate the chamber.

Access to the Newgrange Monument is only available to visitors via the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, which is open daily. For further information and online booking please visit heritageireland.ie.

Recordings of the livestreaming events in 2020, 2021, 2023 and 2024 are available on the OPW's YouTube channel.