Irish Winter Solstice: watch the chamber illumination of Newgrange live
The winter solstice on 21 December marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It is a reminder that brighter days are coming, and there is nowhere in Ireland more special to mark it than Newgrange in Co. Meath.
The Newgrange Winter Solstice is a phenomenon, as the prehistoric passage tomb experiences a breathtaking alignment as the sun rises on the morning of 21 December. There is a specially designed opening above the entrance that is perfectly situated to allow the first rays of morning sun in, gradually illuminating the narrow passage. As the sun ascends, it dramatically bathes the central chamber and its megalithic art in its warm glow.
The light travels 19m, from the roof box at the entrance through the passage and into the chamber, and the effect usually lasts just 17 minutes.
Images courtesy of the OPW.
Every year, a small gathering of people selected via a lottery gain access to witness this awe-inspiring view during the Irish Winter Solstice. However, since 2020 the Office of Public Works (OPW) have been livestreaming the Solstice from Newgrange.
This year is no different – you can watch the Newgrange Winter Solstice livestream below.
The livestream will include a narration describing the event in detail, with specialists Dr Clare Tuffy and Dr Frank Prendergast guiding you through this spectacular event, providing unique insights and perspectives on the significance of the Irish Winter Solstice.
Watch the Irish Winter Solstice at Newgrange live:
Ingenious prehistoric design
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Winter Solstice event at Newgrange is how the builders of the passage tomb over 5,000 years ago had such an acute understanding of celestial movements to deliberately position the entrance and the passage to allow this phenomenon to occur each year on the Solstice.
The alignment suggests a very sophisticated knowledge of astronomy, and a deep connection the the natural rhythms of the Earth. Newgrange’s passage tomb is an engineering feat that was achieved without any of today’s modern tools – which only adds to the marvel of the sunrise event.
Spiritual significance of the Solstice
More than just a miraculous celestial event, the Winter Solstice holds a spiritual significance for many. The fleeting nature of the sunrise beams symbolise triumph of light over darkness, which is a theme that reoccurs in Celtic and Irish mythology.
It is no wonder that visitors from all over the globe gather at Newgrange to witness to this ancient spectacle and be moved by its spiritual significance each year.