Newgrange Winter Solstice to be live streamed around the world
People around the world are being invited to tune into the Winter Solstice sunrise at Newgrange that will be live streamed on 21st December.
At sunrise on the shortest day of the year, for 17 minutes, direct sunlight can enter the monument to illuminate the chamber of the Stone Age tomb through a small opening above its entrance called the ‘roof box.’
The OPW in partnership with the National Monuments Services (NMS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage today confirmed the livestream from the Neolithic site on 21st December.
Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan, TD, said: “This exciting event will allow us to watch the passing of the longest night of the year from every corner of the globe. Experiencing this significant solar event allows us to connect with our Neolithic ancestors as we watch in awe of the skills and knowledge of a time past.”
The solar alignment of the passage tomb to face the rising sun on winter solstice is an astronomical finding of global importance. Originally re-discovered by Professor Michael J. O’Kelly in 1967, other researchers have, since then validated O’Kelly’s interpretation, giving it scientific credibility and meaning.
Rosemary Collier, Head of Heritage Services and Capital Works Delivery in the Office of Public Works said: “Every year, the Winter Solstice attracts much attention at our UNESCO World Heritage Property at Newgrange. People gather at the ancient tomb to wait and watch the illumination of the passage tomb, just as people did 5,000 years ago.
"The OPW and NMS are delighted to welcome lottery winners in person, to join in this experience that our ancestors have enjoyed for millennia. We are delighted also that we can invite people from all over the world to share in this event with us, by watching the live-stream online and on television.”
People across the world are invited to tune into this phenomenal event, which can be viewed live on gov.ie/opw and heritageireland.ie
Members of the public are advised not to travel directly to the site. Local road closure will be in operation from 5pm on 20 December until 12pm on 21 December.
Specific pedestrian route via Patches Lane, is accessible from N51 at Woodfarm. Local households will be issued with access permits.
All access to Newgrange monument, including universal access, will be through Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre via buses. Buses will be running regularly from the Visitor Centre from 6:30am until around 9:00am (sunrise 8:41am) and an overflow car park in operation at St Mary’s GAA opposite Visitor Centre.