The ancient wonder of the Winter Solstice at Newgrange can be watched all over the world for the first time today, thanks to a live stream from the site.
On December 21st each year, the shortest day of the year, a ray of light is cast through the passage tomb at sunrise.
Newgrange is a 5,000 year old monument in the Boyne Valley, Co. Meath. Every year there is much anticipated for the historical phenomenon that occurs on the Winter Solstice.
Today, everyone at home can watch it on their phones, computers and tablets, wherever they are. The live stream is hosted until 9.15am at the link below:
Failte Ireland arranged this live stream in 2017 in the hope that everyone can experience the magic. The light stream is weather permitting though, so it is hoped that the sun will rise without obstruction in order to shine through the roof-box above the entrance.
Welcoming the initiative, Minister of State for Tourism and sport, Brendan Griffin TD said: “This is a fantastic way to share the unique magic of Newgrange with a much larger audience. It is also a great way to highlight the type of compelling history and heritage that Ireland offers as a destination.”
Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran added: “Newgrange nestled in the Boyne Valley is an important historical site in Irelands Ancient Heritage which attracted over 207,000 visitors in 2016. Our annual Winter Solstice Lottery received over 33,000 applications to witness this event with winners from as far as Austria, Italy, Switzerland and the United States of America, showing the continuing fascination the Solstice has the world over.”
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