On clear mornings around the Winter Solstice, the rising sun aligns precisely with the entrance of the great passage tomb at Newgrange.
As the sun breaks the horizon, a narrow shaft of light enters through the roof box above the doorway and begins its slow journey
along the 19-meter passage toward the chamber at the heart of the monument.
Conditions were perfect on Saturday 20th December for a magnificent solstice morning at Newgrange.
Patiently waiting for sunrise at Newgrange - 20th December 2015.
Sunrise at Newgrange - 20th December 2015.
Welcoming the Winter Solstice Sunrise at Newgrange - 20th December 2015.
Winter Solstice Sunbeam entering the passage at Newgrange - 20th December 2015.
Winter Solstice Sunbeam in the passage at Newgrange - 20th December 2015.
Ideal for a first visit to the Boyne Valley, this private tour explores the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of Brú na Bóinne.
Visit Newgrange and Knowth with the official site guides,
then discover places associated with Ireland's ancient kings, mythology, and Saint Patrick.
The day also includes the Hill of Slane and the Hill of Tara.
Price €675 for up to six guests, plus booking fees.
Above the entrance to Newgrange there is an opening called a roof box.
On mornings around the winter solstice a beam of light penetrates the roof box and travels up
the 19 meters (62 feet) passage and into the chamber. As the sun rises higher, the beam widens so that the
whole chamber is dramatically illuminated.
Access to the chamber on the Solstice mornings is decided by a
lottery that takes place at the
end of September each year. All are welcome to gather outside the entrance to the Newgrange
mound on each of the mornings from December 18th to December 23rd inclusive, sunrise is at 8.58am.
The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) - Ireland's Ancient East
The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) over Newgrange in the Boyne Valley on December 20th 2015.
If you are a history buff, enjoy beautiful locations, or are just interested in unfathomable human achievements, this is the tour to do. Newgrange, Knowth, Slane Castle, the Hill of Tara and more.
Read the full TripAdvisor review
Patiently waiting for sunrise at Newgrange - 20th December 2015.
Sunrise at Newgrange - 20th December 2015.
Welcoming the Winter Solstice Sunrise at Newgrange - 20th December 2015.
Winter Solstice Sunbeam entering the passage at Newgrange - 20th December 2015.
Winter Solstice Sunbeam in the passage at Newgrange - 20th December 2015.
The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) over Newgrange in the Boyne Valley on December 20th 2015.
Newgrange entrance and roof box.