The Winter Solstice is one of the most remarkable natural events of the year, and there is no place more closely associated with it than Newgrange in County Meath. Each December, visitors from across the world gather to witness the moment when the rising sun illuminates the inner chamber of this ancient monument. Below is everything you need to know about the Winter Solstice 2025 at Newgrange.
The Event Details
Newgrange is the best known of the passage tombs within the Brú na Bóinne complex. Its passage and chamber are aligned towards the rising sun for several days around the 21st of December. A specially designed opening above the entrance, known as the roof box, allows sunlight to stream deep into the chamber at sunrise. When weather permits, the illumination can last for up to 17 minutes.
For 2025, the Office of Public Works (OPW) and National Monuments Service (NMS) will once again share this extraordinary event through a live broadcast. Viewers can watch the Winter Solstice sunrise at Newgrange in real time from the comfort of home, with high-definition streaming available across several platforms.
The OPW is also encouraging people to host coffee mornings with friends and family as they enjoy the broadcast together and to share their own Solstice moments online using the hashtags #ShareTheSolstice and #NewgrangeSolstice.
RTE will broadcast live from Newgrange on Sunday, 21 December, beginning at 8:40 a.m. The livestream will be available on:
The broadcast includes expert narration from Dr Clare Tuffy and Dr Frank Prendergast, who will guide viewers through the history, astronomy and significance of the Solstice event at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visiting Newgrange During the Solstice
Due to limited capacity, the OPW strongly advises the public to enjoy the event through the livestream. However, those intending to travel to Newgrange should be aware of the following essential information.
Access and Parking
- There is no car park at Newgrange National Monument.
- All access is via the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre (A92 EH5C).
- Limited free parking is available at the Visitor Centre. Follow the directions of parking attendants.
- Carpooling is strongly recommended.
- Please do not travel to Brú na Bóinne unless you have purchased a ticket online. Ticket sales are sold out for the 20th, 21st and 22nd of December. Brú na Bóinne reopens on the 28th of December for bookings.
Shuttle Buses
Free shuttle buses will run from the Visitor Centre to Newgrange.
Sunday 21 December: Buses begin at 06:30, with the last bus to the monument departing at 08:30 sharp.
Visitor Centre Opening Times (19–23 December)
- Friday 19 December: Opens 07:30, first bus 08:00
- Saturday 20 December: Opens 07:00, first bus 07:30
- Sunday 21 December: Opens 06:15, first bus 06:30
- Monday 22 December: Opens 07:30, first bus 08:00
- Tuesday 23 December: Opens 07:30, first bus 08:00
Other Important Notes
- This is an outdoor event. Wear warm, waterproof clothing and suitable footwear.
- Road closures will be in place in the area on 20 and 21 December. Check Meath County Council for maps and details.
- No animals allowed, except registered assistance dogs with appropriate documentation.
- Free access to the Visitor Centre for Solstice visitors is available until 08:30 each morning from 19–23 December.
- Access to the chamber at sunrise is strictly limited to Solstice Lottery winners.
- Visitors wishing to enter the chamber afterwards may queue on the right side of the monument entrance. Entry will be managed in groups so please follow the guidance of OPW staff.
A Remarkable Experience
The Winter Solstice sunrise at Newgrange is one of Ireland’s most extraordinary traditions. Whether you watch in person from the monument grounds or join the livestream from home, the experience offers a rare connection to a prehistoric world and a deeper appreciation of the engineering skill and astronomical understanding of its builders.
Experience the Winter Solstice 2025
Don’t miss the chance to witness this ancient midwinter tradition. Join the livestream or plan your visit to be part of a moment that has captured human imagination for over 5,000 years.
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