Partial illumination at Newgrange for Winter Solstice

The Office of Public Works (OPW) this morning, once again welcomed the lucky lottery winners to experience the significant Winter Solstice sunrise from within the Chamber at the Neolithic Passage Tomb of Newgrange and to the delight of all, they were not disappointed.

The sun's rays managed to penetrate the roof passage to light up part of the passageway and chamber.

Since 2000, the Office of Public Works has operated a Lottery Draw for a place in the chamber at Newgrange to witness the Winter Solstice each year on 21st December. Due to the Covid pandemic, it was three years since people were allowed into the passage tomb to witness the phenomenon.

In 2020 and again in 2021, instead the Office of Public Works organised the livestreaming of the Winter Solstice to compensate for the absence of the annual Lottery Draw. As the chamber was vacant, it offered viewers a unique and unparalleled opportunity to witness the rays of light from the rising sun as they entered the chamber. The event was not livestreamed this year.

Minister Patrick O’Donovan, T.D., Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works said: “I am delighted to welcome the lucky winners of the very popular OPW Solstice Lottery competition to Newgrange to witness first hand this archaeological phenomenon. For many people, the Winter Solstice is a very significant and special occasion, where we bid farewell to the long dark evenings and herald a bright beginning for the year ahead.”

The solar alignment of the passage tomb at Newgrange to face the rising sun on winter solstice is a significant astronomical finding of global importance. Originally re-discovered by Prof. Michael J. O’Kelly in 1967, other researchers have validated O’Kelly’s interpretation giving it scientific credibility and meaning.

Analysis of high-resolution imagery taken during last year’s research programme, now adds to the convincing body of evidence that the solar illumination of the tomb was intentional.