Newgrange Winter Solstice Lottery Draw

Each year, people gather at Newgrange in the Boyne Valley to celebrate the Winter Solstice sunrise from December 19th to 23rd. At 8:58 am, the rising sun aligns with the roof box above the entrance and a narrow beam of light travels up the passage, illuminating the inner chamber. This extraordinary event was engineered over 5,000 years ago and is considered one of the world’s most remarkable examples of prehistoric astronomy.

Access to the chamber is limited and decided by lottery, while everyone else is welcome to gather outside the monument to share in the atmosphere of the occasion.

The lottery takes place in late September, with successful applicants notified in October. Each winner is assigned a specific morning and may bring one guest. A reserve list is also drawn up in case a selected participant cannot attend.

Lottery places are strictly non-transferable. Spots in the chamber cannot be passed on to others. On average, around 30,000 people apply each year for the chance to be inside Newgrange at dawn.

Please note there is no guarantee of sunlight entering the chamber, as visibility depends entirely on weather conditions. Applications can be made online at SolsticeLottery.ie

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.

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