Newgrange Winter Solstice - 19th to 23rd December 2025

Provisional Winter Solstice arrangements based on previous years, final arrangements will be posted when available.

Visitors are invited to gather outside the Newgrange monument to witness the sunrise during the mornings around the Winter Solstice, from December 19th to 23rd. This unique experience offers an opportunity to connect with the ancient site and its timeless celebration of light, as the first rays of the sun illuminate the Newgrange chamber.

Access via Visitor Centre

There is no car parking at the Newgrange Monument itself. All visitors should start at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, Eircode A92 EH5C.

Limited free parking is available at the Visitor Centre. Allow extra time for parking and taking the free shuttle bus from the Visitor Centre to Newgrange.

Access to Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre and Newgrange is free until 9:00 AM on Solstice mornings (December 19th to 23rd).

The Visitor Centre will open early on Solstice mornings:
Exact times will be published when available, expected to be 7am and earlier on December 21st.
Only registered assistance dogs with appropriate documentation are permitted on-site.

This is an outdoor experience, so please dress warmly and wear suitable footwear for winter conditions.

Newgrange Chamber Access

Sunrise access to the chamber is limited to Solstice Lottery winners. If you'd like to visit the chamber after sunrise, you can queue to the right of the entrance. Visitors will be admitted in small groups after the winners' session concludes.

Road Closures

Approach roads to the Newgrange monument will be closed on the mornings of December 21st and possibly some other mornings.

The Solstice Lottery

The annual lottery draw took place in October at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre. Children from three local primary schools, Donore, Knockcommon and Slane National Schools, had the important task of selecting the lucky winners who will have access to the Newgrange Chamber this December.

This year, for the first time, those interested in applying could do so online. Over 16,000 entries were received from Ireland and locations around the globe. Some of the winners hailed from Belfast, Cork, Limerick and Meath and as far as California, France, the Netherlands, New York and Taiwan. The winners, along with a guest, will have access to the Chamber on one of the days between 19 and 23 December 2025.

Apply for the 2026 Winter Solstice

Newgrange Winter Solstice Archive

Boyne Valley Private Day Tour

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and culture of the Boyne Valley with our full-day private tours. Visit Newgrange World Heritage site, explore the Hill of Slane, where Saint Patrick famously lit the Paschal fire. Discover the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of power for the High Kings of Ireland. Book Now