Newgrange Winter Solstice

Newgrange is one of 40 passage tombs in Brú na Bóinne (meaning the Palace or Mansion on the Boyne) in County Meath. During sunrise on the mornings of the winter solstice  (19 – 23 December each year), a beam of sun light penetrates the roof-box and reaches up to 19-metres (62 ft) along the passage, and illuminates the chamber. As the sun rises higher, the beam widens, dramatically lighting up the entire chamber. After 17 minutes, the beam of sunlight fades back down the passage as the alignment reaches its conclusion.

Enter the Winter Solstice Lottery

Entry is via online application only.

All personal data will be deleted after the draw

Terms & Conditions

  • Applicants must be over 10 years of age.
  • An adult must accompany an applicant under the age of 18.
  • Only applications submitted via the official online application form can be entered into the draw*.
  • Applications received after midnight (Irish time) on Sunday 28th September 2025 will not be valid for 2025 solstice lottery draw and will be included in 2026 lottery draw.
  • Only one entry permitted per email address.
  • Places at the winter solstice are non-transferable. 
Winners will be required to present Photo ID at the Visitor
Centre on arrival for solstice.

*Note that for 2025 lottery draw any entries received from 1st October 2024 – 24th August 2025 that were submitted in-person or via post on application form, or via email to brunaboinne@opw.ie, will be accepted.