One of the few pros of lockdowns.
Great news as the Office of Public Works (OPW) have confirmed the return of their Winter Solstice livestream from inside the passage tomb at Newgrange for 2023.
During the sunrise on the shortest day of the year (Dec 21), for a duration of 17 minutes, direct sunlight penetrates the monument, casting its illumination into the chamber of the Stone Age tomb through a small aperture situated above the entrance, known as the ‘roof box.’
If you have ever tried to secure the in-person viewing experience at the prehistoric Meath monument through the lottery system, then you know due to demand and the limited space the chances of you being chosen are notoriously unlikely, which is why the introduction of a livestream was so inspired.
Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
In 2020 and 2021, the OPW set up a livestream link of the Winter Solstice at Newgrange as visitors were not allowed due to coronavirus restrictions. This was a great initiative as it gave many people the chance to witness the spectacular event who normally would never get to.
Unfortunately last year they scrapped the livestream as people were able to visit Newgrange in-person again, which came to the great dismay of many across the globe hoping to witness the phenomenon. The OPW said they wouldn’t rule out the return of the livestream, and true to their word, it will be available to stream live on December 21st 2023.
If you’re hoping to catch the magic of the Winter Solstice at Newgrange, you can catch the livestream here.
Header image via Gov.ie
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