Newgrange Winter Solstice Webcast 2026

Watching the Newgrange winter solstice webcast

The Newgrange winter solstice webcast brings one of Ireland’s most famous sunrises to viewers around the world. At Newgrange in the Boyne Valley, the winter solstice alignment is one of the most remarkable features of this ancient monument.

Builders raised the passage tomb more than 5,000 years ago. They aligned it so that, at sunrise around the winter solstice, a narrow beam of light enters through the roof box. Then it gradually illuminates the inner chamber. That design shows a sophisticated understanding of astronomy in Neolithic Ireland.

Access to witness this event from inside the chamber is extremely limited. The Office of Public Works allocates places through an annual online lottery. In recent years, organizers have also broadcast the solstice sunrise live. Therefore, people around the world can experience this extraordinary moment from home.

There has been no announcement yet for 2026. However, details will be posted once confirmed. In the meantime, you can watch past recordings below.

An Introduction to the Newgrange Solstice Sunrise

An Introduction to the Newgrange Solstice Sunrise

Previous Solstice Webcasts

Here are recordings of previous livestreams. They offer a great sense of the atmosphere and build-up. They also make a useful warm-up ahead of this year’s sunrise.

Newgrange Solstice – 21st December 2025 webcast

Newgrange Winter Solstice – Recording of Live Streaming 21st December 2025

Newgrange Solstice – 21st December 2024 webcast

Newgrange Winter Solstice – Recording of Live Streaming 21st December 2024

Newgrange Solstice – 21st December 2023 webcast

Newgrange Winter Solstice – Recording of Live Streaming 21st December 2023

Newgrange Solstice – 21st December 2021 webcast

Newgrange Winter Solstice – Recording of Live Streaming 21st December 2021

Newgrange Solstice – 20th December 2021 webcast

Newgrange Winter Solstice – Recording of Live Streaming 20th December 2021

Newgrange Solstice – 22nd December 2020 webcast

Newgrange Winter Solstice – Recording of Live Streaming 22nd December 2020

Newgrange Solstice – 21st December 2020 webcast

Newgrange Winter Solstice – Recording of Live Streaming 21st December 2020

Newgrange Solstice – 20th December 2020 webcast

Newgrange Winter Solstice – Recording of Live Streaming 20th December 2020

Winter Solstice Sunrise at Newgrange

Every year in December, people from across Ireland and around the world turn their attention to a quiet bend of the River Boyne in County Meath. Here, at the ancient monument of Newgrange, a remarkable moment takes place.

On the mornings around the winter solstice, the rising sun sends a narrow beam of light through a small opening above the entrance. Then the light travels along the passage to reach the inner chamber. This beautiful event marks the return of longer days and the gradual reawakening of the natural world.

A Monument Older Than the Pyramids

Newgrange is over five thousand years old. It is older than the Pyramids and Stonehenge. Even so, the builders understood the movement of the sun with astonishing precision.

The alignment works only on the shortest days of the year. On those mornings, light enters the passage just after sunrise and slowly brightens the chamber stones. It lasts only 17 minutes. Still, it leaves a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to witness it.

A Rare Chance to Witness the Light

Today, a lottery system decides who may enter the chamber on solstice mornings. Only a small number can fit inside. That limit protects the monument and preserves the atmosphere of the occasion.

Even so, everyone now has a chance to experience the magic thanks to the official live webcast each year. Viewers can watch from home and see the light travel into the heart of the monument. Gentle commentary and the sounds of a winter morning in the Boyne Valley accompany the broadcast.

Weather and the Element of Mystery

Weather plays its part. Some years bring clear skies and a perfect golden glow. Other mornings arrive with mist or cloud, and the chamber stays in darkness. That is all part of the story.

The ancient world did not promise spectacle on command. Instead, it offered patience, ceremony, and hope for brighter days to come.

Visiting Around the Solstice

Visitors are welcome to gather outside Newgrange on the mornings around the winter solstice, from 19 to 23 December. It is a special opportunity to stand at this ancient monument and wait for the first light of day. People have done that here for thousands of years.

Only a small number enter the chamber each morning. However, everyone on the outside can share in the sense of hope and renewal as the sun rises over the Boyne Valley. For further details, visit Newgrange.com.

A Moment of Renewal and Reflection

The winter solstice at Newgrange reminds us that even in the darkest time of the year, light always returns. It is a celebration of renewal, reflection, and the deep wisdom of those who came long before us.

Whether you visit in person or watch the Newgrange winter solstice webcast from home, the moment carries a quiet power. It offers a gentle invitation to pause, breathe, and welcome the dawn.

Newgrange Winter Solstice Archive

• 21st December 2025 Winter Solstice
• 19th December 2024 Winter Solstice
• 19th December 2023 Winter Solstice
• 20th December 2022 Winter Solstice
• 20th December 2020 Winter Solstice
• 18th December 2016 Winter Solstice
• 20th December 2015 Winter Solstice
• 19th December 2014 Winter Solstice
• 21st December 2013 Winter Solstice
• 18th December 2011 Winter Solstice
• 22nd December 2010 Winter Solstice
• 19th December 2010 Winter Solstice
• 18th December 2010 Winter Solstice
• 22nd December 2009 Winter Solstice
• 21st December 2009 Winter Solstice
• 21st December 2008 Winter Solstice
• 21st December 2007 Winter Solstice
• 22nd December 2006 Winter Solstice
• 21st December 2006 Winter Solstice
• 21st December 2005 Winter Solstice
• 20th December 2005 Winter Solstice
• 21st December 2004 Winter Solstice
• 19th December 2004 Winter Solstice
• 21st December 2003 Winter Solstice
• 22nd December 2002 Winter Solstice
• 21st December 2001 Winter Solstice

Visit Newgrange with Boyne Valley Tours

Enjoy a private day tour from Dublin to the Boyne Valley. We tailor the itinerary to your interests and handle the driving and logistics. The OPW-guided visit from the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Center includes Newgrange and Knowth. Afterwards, continue to the Hill of Slane and the Hill of Tara. Because this is a private tour, you can choose other sites instead.

Book online now! Inquire now!