Press release
Winter Solstice livestream link now available - watch the illumination of chamber on shortest day of the year!
Published on
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Published on
Last updated on
The Office of Public Works (OPW) and National Monuments Services (NMS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are delighted to announce that the livestream link to witness the Winter Solstice is now available. Once again, the Winter Solstice will be livestreamed from inside the ancient passage tomb at Newgrange, which is part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Property.
Since the very first livestream 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 livestream event allows audiences to witness this awe-inspiring event in high definition from the comfort of their own home. The livestream is accompanied by a wonderful narration that describes the event in detail. Our specialists, Dr. Clare Tuffy and Dr. Frank Prendergast, will guide you through this spectacular event, providing unique insights and perspectives on the significance of the Winter Solstice.
As the shortest day of the year approaches, the OPW is delighted to announce that RTE will be broadcasting the livestream, allowing viewers from all corners of the globe to experience this magical experience. The livestream will be accessible on Saturday, 21 December from 8.40a.m. We invite viewers to tune in at the links below:
For those intending on travelling to Newgrange during the Winter Solstice please be advised that access to the monument will be restricted. Please see relevant information below and at the link – heritageireland.ie.
This is an outdoor event. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.
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 Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre. Carpooling is strongly advised. Please allow sufficient time to arrive, park and then take the free shuttle bus from the Visitor Centre to Newgrange.
Road closures are in place, please ensure you are familiar with these by checking the Meath County Council website and the maps below.
No animals 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 09.00 on the mornings of the Solstice (19 – 23 December inclusive).
Access to the chamber inside Newgrange for sunrise is restricted to Solstice Lottery Draw Winners. If you wish to go in afterwards, you are welcome to queue on the right hand side of the entrance and visitors will be accommodated in groups.
Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre will be open at the following times on the Solstice mornings:
OPW spokespersons are available for interview upon request to discuss the events. For further information please contact pressoffice@opw.ie
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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 21 or 22, 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.
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.
Recordings of the livestreaming events in 2020, 2021, 2023 and 2024 are available on the OPW's YouTube channel.