Newgrange Winter Solstice 2025
Newgrange is the best known of the 3 great passage tombs in the Brú na Bóinne complex.
The passage and chamber are aligned in a south-easterly direction, facing the rising sun at the winter solstice for several days around December 21st. A small window-like opening above the doorway known as the roof box allows the light from the midwinter rising sun to penetrate the chamber and dramatically illuminate it. This event can last for up to 17 minutes depending on weather conditions.
Travelling to Newgrange for Solstice?
We look forward to seeing you there! Here’s what you need to know:
1. This is an outdoor event. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.
2. There is no car park at Newgrange National Monument. All access to Newgrange is via the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre (A92 EH5C).
3. Limited free parking is available at the Visitor Centre. Please follow the direction of the parking attendants on duty. Carpooling is strongly advised.
4. Please allow sufficient time to arrive, park, go through the Visitor Centre and take the free shuttle bus to Newgrange. Buses will run from 06:30 on 21 December. The last bus will depart for Newgrange Monument at 08:30 sharp.
5. Road Closures will be in place on 20 and 21 December in the area, please ensure you are familiar with these by checking Meath County Council website and the maps below.
6. No animals allowed, except for registered assistance dogs with appropriate documentation.
7. Access to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre to visit Newgrange is free of charge until 08:30 on the mornings of the Solstice (19– 23 December inclusive).
8. Access to the chamber inside Newgrange for sunrise is restricted to our Solstice Lottery Draw Winners. If you wish to go inside afterwards, you are welcome to queue on the right hand side of the entrance to the monument and visitors will be accommodated in groups. Please cooperate with the OPW guide staff on duty.
9. Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre will be open at the following times on the Solstice mornings:
Friday 19 December 07:30, first bus 08:00
Saturday 20 December 07:00, first bus 07:30
Sunday 21 December 06:15, first bus 06:30
Monday 22 December 07:30, first bus 08:00
Tuesday 23 December 07:30, first bus 08:00


Enter the Newgrange Winter Solstice Lottery
Be in with a chance of being one of the lucky Solstice Lottery winners in 2026.





