Are you looking to watch the Winter Solstice livestream? The live stream will be available on this page from 08:40 UTC on Thursday, 21 December.
The captivating Winter Solstice sunrise event at Newgrange is set to broadcast live worldwide on December 21st, inviting people from across the globe to tune in and witness the awe-inspiring sight. The live stream will be available on this page.
During a 17-minute window at sunrise on the shortest day of the year, direct sunlight perfectly aligns to enter the ancient monument, illuminating its chamber through the ‘roof box,’ a small opening atop the entrance of the Stone Age tomb.
The Office of Public Works (OPW), in collaboration with the National Monuments Services (NMS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage, has officially confirmed the live streaming of this celestial occurrence from the Neolithic site on December 21st.
Minister of State overseeing the Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan, TD, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “This exciting event will allow us to witness the longest night of the year from every corner of the globe. It’s a chance to connect with our Neolithic ancestors, marvelling at their ancient skills and knowledge.”
This solar alignment during the winter solstice holds significant astronomical importance globally. First identified by Professor Michael J. O’Kelly in 1967, subsequent research has validated and given scientific credibility to this interpretation, adding profound meaning to the event.
Rosemary Collier, Head of Heritage Services and Capital Works Delivery at the Office of Public Works highlighted the enduring fascination with the Winter Solstice at Newgrange. She said, “Each year, this event draws attention to our UNESCO World Heritage Property, mirroring the anticipation that people from 5,000 years ago felt when witnessing the illumination of the passage tomb.”
While lottery winners will have the chance to witness the spectacle in person, the OPW and NMS are extending the experience globally via live streaming. The event can be viewed online at heritageireland.ie.
The public is advised against direct travel to the site to ensure safety and manage the event’s logistics. Local road closures will be enforced from 5 pm on December 20th until 12 pm on December 21st. Access to the site will be via a specific pedestrian route from N51 at Woodfarm, reachable through Patches Lane, with access permits issued to local households.
Visitor access to Newgrange, including provisions for universal access, will be facilitated through Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, with regular bus services operating from the centre from 6:30 am until around 9:00 am on the day of the event. An overflow car park will also be available at St Mary’s GAA, opposite the Visitor Centre.