Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Winter Solstice
These bird's-eye views of Newgrange from above are jaw-dropping
You can also catch a glimpse of its neighbours Knowth and Dowth.
TODAY MARKS THE winter solstice, the shortest day of the year and when something very special happens at Newgrange.
The ancient Irish knew a thing or two about astronomy, and built the massive monument in such a way that on the solstice sunlight shines through a box above the doorway, illuminating the chamber.
Newgrange is just one of many sites in the Brú na Bóinne complex, with neighbouring sites Knowth and Dowth both also imposing passage tombs.
Knowth is of a similar scale and surrounded by satellite tombs, while Dowth has been badly damaged by careless excavations in the 1800s.
In the above video, CopterView gives us a birds-eye view of all three sites.
have your say