Newgrange Winter Solstice Photographs
Alan Betson photographed the Winter Solstice at Newgrange for The Irish Times over many years, creating a remarkable collection of images. These photographs were previously available to purchase through The Irish Times online shop, but are no longer available.
Alan Betson’s Winter Solstice photographs from Newgrange were previously available through The Irish Times
Newgrange Winter Sun Alignment
In the Boyne Valley within Ireland's Ancient East, stands the mysterious monument of Newgrange. This Neolithic passage tomb holds a secret that comes to life around midwinter. As the world embraces the longest nights and shortest days of the year around the winter solstice, Newgrange becomes a celestial spectacle, drawing seekers of wonder and history alike.
Winter Solstice sunbeam inside the Newgrange chamber
Newgrange, built over 5,000 years ago, is no ordinary tomb. Its architects were early astronomers, their minds attuned to the rhythms of the cosmos. The key to this ancient marvel lies in the meticulously aligned entrance and a passage leading to a central chamber. On the mornings around the winter solstice, a phenomenon occurs that connects the living with the celestial.
Touching the Light : Winter Solstice Sunbeam inside Newgrange - Photo by Ken Williams
As the sun rises on these special days, its rays align with the entrance of Newgrange. A narrow beam of light penetrates the darkness, gradually filling the passage and central chamber with a warm, golden glow. This brief but magical event lasts for a mere 17 minutes.
The winter solstice holds profound cultural and spiritual significance across civilisations, symbolising the triumph of light over darkness. For the ancient builders of Newgrange, this celestial alignment likely played a crucial role in their rituals and ceremonies, marking a connection between the earthly and the divine.
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.