Newgrange Winter Solstice - 22nd December 2010
At Newgrange, the Winter Solstice creates one of Ireland's most remarkable ancient spectacles. Around the shortest days of the year, the rising sun shines through the roof-box above the entrance, sending a narrow beam 19 metres along the passage to illuminate the inner chamber for about 17 minutes. The photographs below were taken on 22 December 2010, when snow covered the mound and clear skies allowed the sunbeam to reach the chamber.
Arriving at a snowy Newgrange for the Winter Solstice sunrise on December 22nd 2010
A promising sky on the closest morning to the actual Winter Solstice.
The Newgrange Solstice group before entering the chamber
Winter Solstice Sunrise viewed from the Newgrange entrance
White Quartz Facade glowing in the Winter Solstice sunrise
Tour guide Michael Fox touching the light in the passage at the mouth of the chamber
Ken Williams captured this amazing photo featuring Michael Fox touching the light beam within the ancient structure. Heavy snowfall had created challenging driving conditions, and Michael received a message from a contact at the Brú na Bóinne Visitors Centre, informing him that some Solstice Lottery winners could not travel due to road conditions. Deciding to proceed to Newgrange for the sunrise on December 22nd, he anticipated a good chance of gaining access to the chamber.
Residing approximately 20 km from Newgrange, he navigated through snow-covered roads and successfully reached Newgrange safely. Upon arrival, he was greeted by a pristine, white landscape and, more importantly, a clear sky. As expected, some Solstice Lottery winners did not make it, affording him the opportunity to join the group entering the chamber to await the sunrise. They were rewarded with a spectacular dawn that bathed the chamber in golden light.
As the sunbeam began its retreat down the passage, Michael conceived the idea of asking Ken Williams to capture a photo of his hand touching the light beam. For Michael, the resulting image serves as a cherished memory of that remarkable morning.
Sun rays in the passage at the end of a spectacular solstice illumination
Snow at the Roofbox, thankfully it didn't block the sunbeam entering the passage
It's the sunbeam from the Roofbox above the entrance that reaches the chamber.
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.
Setting Sun Alignments
The Winter Solstice Setting Sun illuminates the chamber at the nearby Dowth mound and at the cairn on Slieve Gullion in Co. Armagh.