Experience Winter Solstice in Ireland in December

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Loughcrew in County Meath

Around the world, December 21 is known as Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year and the beginning of the winter season.  While it often goes unnoticed in today's world of speed, sound and distraction, Winter Solstice was an important event in prehistoric Ireland, signifying a turning point in the year and the coming rebirth of the land.  

That's why prehistoric monuments in Ireland are often aligned with the rising sun on the winter solstice, built by the original Celtics who arrived in Ireland about 500 BC.


Newgrange in County Meath

Winter solstice is a popular annual tradition in Ireland, and here are some ancient sites that are gathering places for marking the occasion.

The best known of these monuments is Newgrange, part of the World Heritage Property of Bru na Boinne in County Meath. The almost intact Neolithic tomb is more than 5,000 years old and on the winter solstice its inner chamber is illuminated by the rising sun. The dramatic phenomenon reflects a marvel of early astronomy and construction. The demand to see it is so high that tickets are allocated via a lottery system.

Knockrow in County Kilkenny

At Knockrow Passage Tomb in County Kilkenny, visitors can witness a dual winter solstice alignment, with the eastern passageway aligned with the rising sun, and the western passageway aligned to the setting sun. The site is free to enter, and people gather at both dawn and sunset to watch the sunlight enter and light up the tomb.

Ireland’s most sacred place, and the seat of its ancient high kings, is the Hill of Tara in County Meath, a popular gathering spot to celebrate the winter solstice as a community. Usually there is music and guided meditations as people seek to reflect and reconnect with nature.  

At the Loughcrew Megalithic Centre in County Meath, the ancient passage tombs are not aligned with the winter solstice but with the spring and autumn equinoxes when the chambers are illuminated at sunrise. These impressive tombs are located on what is known as the Hills of the Witch and guided tours are available to explore the history and spiritual significance of the site. Camping and glamping facilities are available nearby. 


Stars and Stones Tour in Tyrone

The Stars and Stones tour  in County Tyrone explores the linksbetween archaeology and the stars . This guided tour begins at the prehistoric Beaghmore Stones and weaves together storytelling, archaeology and astronomy to explain the significance of the site. The tour then moves to OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory to observe the stars through a state-of-the-art telescope. Book on or around the winter solstice to see the celestial patterns that the ancient Celts would have observed and celebrated.

Solas Bhride Centre in County Kildare

Across the island of Ireland winter solstice events mark the date as a time of reflection. Continuing 2024’s year-long celebration of St Brigid, Brigid 1500 the Solas Bhride Centre in County Kildare presents a Christian interpretation in Winter Solstice - Turning Toward the Light.  

 

 And finally, the Sound Spa in County Antrim offers a winter solstice sound healing experience.

Learn more about visiting the island of Ireland at ireland.com

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