Visitors re-enter Newgrange chamber during winter solstice for first time since Covid

It was a cloudy morning over the River Boyne this winter solstice as crowds gathered to watch the sun rise at Newgrange.

The Office of Public Works (OPW) welcomed lottery winners back into the ancient passage tomb chamber, which was partially illuminated by this morning’s sunrise, for the first time since the onset of the Covid pandemic.

For the last two years, sunrise at the neolithic monument has been live-streamed from inside the chamber by OPW. However, the popular measure was scrapped this year, with OPW having described the streams as “exceptional”.

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 21 December. .

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.

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-discovery 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.