Newgrange Winter Solstice - 18th December 2011

Sunrise at 8:51am

8:53am - The Solstice Lottery Winners are in the chamber waiting for the sunbeam
to reach them.

8:54am - The sunbeam beginning to illuminate the passage.

8:55am - The Solstice Sunbeam in the passage.

8:56 - Cloud on the horizon partially obscuring the sunrise.

8:57am - The sun breaking through the low cloud.

9:00am - Sunbeam still not at full strength due to the low cloud.

9:01am - The sun finally breaks through the low cloud.

9:03am - A brilliant sunrise.

9:04am - Perfect sunrise to illuminate the chamber which is at the end of a 19 metre passage.

9:06am - The sunbeam from the opening over the door travels all the way to the chamber.

9:09am - Perfect conditions for the Winter Solstice illumination at Newgrange.

9:12am - Newgrange Quartz Wall.

9:17am - Solstice Lottery Winners emerge from the chamber.

9:37am - Sun light still in the passage.
Pick up and return to your accommodation or cruise ship. Suggested day tour:
Newgrange World Heritage site, 10th century High Crosses at Monasterboice,
Hill of Tara the seat of the High Kings of Ireland and the Hill of Slane where St. Patrick let a Paschal fire in 433