Livestream now available to experience the Winter Solstice live from Newgrange

The Office of Public Works (OPW) and National Monuments Services (NMS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage have announced that viewers can witness the Winter Solstice sunrise at Newgrange live through the livestream link from the comfort of their own homes.

Each year, the Winter Solstice sunrise illuminates the inner chamber of Newgrange, a UNESCO World Heritage Property and one of Ireland’s most iconic prehistoric monuments. This rare phenomenon, which has captivated visitors for generations, marks the shortest day of the year.

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This year, the OPW is inviting viewers to host coffee mornings with friends and family to experience the beauty and wonder of the Winter Solstice in high definition without having to leave their homes. 

RTÉ will broadcast live from the ancient passage tomb at Newgrange on Sunday, December 21, from 8:40am. The livestream will be available at the links below:

• www.rte.ie/player 
• gov.ie/opw 
• heritageireland.ie 
• youtube/opw 

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 viewers through this spectacular event, providing unique insights and perspectives on the significance of the Winter Solstice.

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Please note as there is limited on-site access, the OPW is advising the public to experience this remarkable event through the high-quality online broadcast in their homes or with family and friends.

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 the Visitor Centre. Please follow the direction of the parking attendants on duty. Carpooling is strongly advised.
• Please allow sufficient time to arrive, park, go through the Visitor Centre and take the free shuttle bus to Newgrange.
• Buses will run from 06:30 on 21 December. The last bus will depart for Newgrange Monument at 08:30 sharp.
• Road Closures will be in place on 20 and 21 December in the area, please ensure you are familiar with these by checking 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 08:30 on the mornings of the Solstice (19– 23 December inclusive).

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Access to the chamber inside Newgrange for sunrise is restricted to our Solstice Lottery Draw Winners. If you wish to go inside afterwards, you are welcome to queue on the right hand side of the entrance to the monument and visitors will be accommodated in groups. Please cooperate with the OPW guide staff on duty.

Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre will be open at the following times on the Solstice mornings:

• Friday 19 December 07:30, first bus 08:00
• Saturday 20 December 07:00, first bus 07:30
• Sunday 21 December 06:15, first bus 06:30
• Monday 22 December 07:30, first bus 08:00
• Tuesday 23 December 07:30, first bus 08:00