Winter Solstice sunrise to be livestreamed

Ann Casey

Published: Wed 3 Dec 2025, 11:34 AM

The winter Solstice Sunrise at Newgrange can be watched live this year from a livestream link.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) and National Monuments Services (NMS) have announced that viewers can witness the Winter Solstice phenomenon at Newgrange 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.

Winter Solstice at Newgrange, County Meath. Live Stream on OPW Media channels. Photographed by NMS Photograher John Lalor inside the Passage Tomb and outside by Photograher Niamh Crowley.Solstice takes place inside the PAssage Tomb with the sunrising outside. Lottery winners inside the tomb get to enjoy the spectacle, looking out the roofbox with the heads on the ground and using their phones to capture the light enter the Tomb. Photo by John Lalor

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 social media platforms using the hashtag #ShareTheSolstice #NewgrangeSolstice.

RTE will broadcast live from the ancient passage tomb at Newgrange on Sunday, 21st December, from 8:40am. 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. 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, access to the monument will be restricted.

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.

visitors should 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 21st December. The last bus will depart for Newgrange Monument at 08:30 sharp.

Road Closures will be in place on 20th and 21st December in the area, so ensure you are familiar with these by checking Meath County Council website.

No animals are 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 to 23 December inclusive).

Access to the chamber inside Newgrange for sunrise is restricted to 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.

The Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre will be open at the following times on the Solstice mornings: Friday 19th December 7:30am, first bus 8am, Saturday 20th 7am, first bus 7:30am, Sunday 21st 6:15am, first bus 6:30am and Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd 7:30am, first bus 8am.