Visit Ireland’s Greatest Megalithic Attraction: The Legendary Newgrange

The Great Pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge are undeniably two of the most iconic and widely recognized ancient monuments in the world.

It’s likely that most travelers have heard of them, and many have even had the opportunity to visit them.

However, if you ask the same question about Newgrange, you will get a very different response. Despite being one of the oldest and most impressive ancient monuments in the world, Newgrange often flies under the radar for many travelers.

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What is Newgrange? 

Located only one hour from Dublin in County Meath, Newgrange is a prehistoric passage tomb that is part of the Brú na Bóinne complex, which also includes other famous megalithic sites such as Knowth and Dowth.

Construction of Newgrange started an astonishing 5,000 years ago, making it nearly 2000 years older than the Great Pyramids and Stonehenge.

Not only is Newgrange a perfect example of Ireland’s ancient Celtic Heritage, but it is also recognized as a well-deserved UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Newgrange is a massive structure that boasts a colossal circumference of nearly 100 meters in width and a height of 15 meters. Inside the tomb, you will discover a narrow passageway that leads visitors to the central chamber, where the secrets of this ancient megalithic site await discovery.

It is inside this ancient tomb that truly makes Newgrange so unique.

Every year on the winter solstice (December 21st), the rising sun sends a beam of light through a small hole above the entrance through the passageway, illuminating the entire chamber for about 17 minutes. This phenomenon is known as the “Newgrange Solstice Illumination”.

Furthermore, inside the Chamber and passageway of Newgrange, a multitude of triskelion symbols are carved into the walls. This iconic Irish symbol is known all across the world and it is believed to mean life, death, and rebirth.

The fact that ancient Celts were able to calculate and construct a building over 5000 years ago without the aid of the modern technology we have today, yet built it with such a precise astronomical alignment (and which still functions to this day) is a testament to their ingenuity and remarkable engineering skills.

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How to see the Newgrange Solstice Illumination?

Unfortunately, it is not easy to witness the winter solstice in Newgrange.

To experience this unique event, you need to be a VIP and receive an invitation, or apply for a special permit if you’re not a dignitary – which is probably the case for most of us!

The permit is awarded through a lottery system, where entrants are randomly selected from a large pool of applicants. The application process typically opens in October, and those who are selected will receive notification in early November.

Once selected, visitors must attend the solstice event on December 21st, which begins at 4:30 AM. The event starts with a guided tour of the surrounding landscape, followed by a ceremony at the entrance of the monument.

At 8:30 am on December 22nd, a select group of people will enter the tomb, and at 9:15 am, a beam of sunlight will illuminate the passage and chamber, recreating the ancient ritual.

This magical experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the magic of Newgrange’s Solstice Illumination.

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Can I Still Visit Newgrange?

Yes, the good news though is that it is still possible to visit Newgrange to experience the solstice spectacle for yourself.

Let me explain how.

Newgrange is open to the public from March to October, allowing visitors to explore the ancient monument during the regular tourist season.

If you’re planning to visit, you can expect daily tours to be available. Make sure to book in advance because there is a daily limit on ticket allocation.

Before entering the tomb, you’ll have time to explore the Newgrange Museum and get a good understanding of the history and significance of Newgrange.

TIP: Make sure to allocate enough time for this, as it’s worth taking in the exhibits and learning more about the monument before you enter the chamber!

If you do not have enough time, you can always visit the museum after your tour, but this should be a plan B!

Once your allocated slot is due you will be driven to the tomb from the museum by minibus and meet your guide who will bring you inside the tomb of Newgrange.

After you enter the Newgrange tomb, you will have to walk for 19 meters through the passageway to the inner chamber. Be aware that some parts of the passageway can feel quite narrow and may be uncomfortable for those with claustrophobia.

As you make your way inside the tomb, you’ll be able to witness the remarkable craftsmanship and construction of Newgrange, and realise how every stone has been carefully calculated and placed to precision.

By now you will be standing in the inner chamber, and you will see the most famous triskelion carvings (which are still in a remarkably well-preserved state).

But that’s not all – you’ll also get to experience the magic of a “winter solstice” firsthand.

While you won’t be experiencing the actual winter solstice event, you’ll still get to enjoy a special recreation of it. The guide will turn off the lights in the passageway and inner chamber, plunging you into complete darkness.

Then, a simulated “sunlight” will be recreated, allowing you to see what happens on this special day. While it’s not the real deal, it’s still a fantastic and memorable experience!

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