Winter Solstice to be livestreamed from inside the ancient passage tomb at Newgrange to audiences around the world

The Winter Solstice will be once again livestreamed from inside the ancient passage tomb at Newgrange to audiences around the world on Saturday, 21st December.

Since the very first live stream of this event in 2020, viewers from around the world have been captivated by the beauty and wonder of the Winter Solstice. Each year, the live stream event allows audiences to witness this awe-inspiring event in high definition from the comfort of their own home.

Livestream is accompanied by a wonderful narration that describes the event in detail. 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.

This year, RTE will be broadcasting the live stream, allowing viewers from all corners of the globe to experience this magical experience.

This unique astronomical event showcases the rising of the sun on the shortest day of the year through the solar alignment of the passage tomb at Newgrange which is part of the Brú na Boinne UNESCO World Heritage Property. On a clear morning at sunrise, direct sunlight enters the monument to illuminate the chamber for 17 minutes through a small opening above its entrance called the ‘roof box’.

Rosemary Collier, Head of Heritage Services and Capital Works Delivery in the Office of Public Works said: “Every year, the Winter Solstice receives much attention worldwide. At Newgrange, visitors gather at the ancient tomb to celebrate and experience the illumination of this ancient passage tomb, just as people did over 5,000 years ago."