Winter Solstice enjoyed globally but cloud cover obscures the sunrise
The Office of Public Works (OPW), today, welcomed this year’s Winter Solstice lottery winners to Newgrange, offering a rare opportunity to witness the spectacular sunrise from within the ancient chamber. The lucky few hailed from Down, Dublin, Limerick and further afield from Germany, United Kingdom and USA, highlighting the international appeal.
In partnership with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the OPW livestreamed the event, allowing viewers worldwide to experience the solstice sunrise at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This morning, the sky was bright with some cloud cover, viewers got to experience the phenomenon of sunlight entering the monument through the roof box and along the passage. Outside the monument, the usual joyful atmosphere of the Solstice could be felt, as hundreds gathered to celebrate.
Minister of State with Responsibility for the OPW, Kevin “Boxer” Moran said: “I am delighted to be here today to welcome the Winter Solstice lottery winners to Newgrange and all those tuning in via our livestream. The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a time of reflection and renewal, marking a significant and special occasion as we bid farewell to the long dark evenings and welcome a bright beginning for the year ahead.”
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 21st or 22nd, 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.
Celebrations at Brú no Bóinne will continue this evening at Dowth where the passage tomb is aligned with the solstice sunset.
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.