Well another winter solstice came and went. The sun wasn't kind to us this year and so we were a bit dissappointed, still it makes it all the more special when you do have a clear sunrise.
There was a large crowd gathered in expectation and you could still see the moon in the early morning. .
Geraldine Stout the resident archeologist was there to explain to the TV3 viewers of Ireland AM what was happening..
While the lucky ones were inside we relax and talk among ourselves. Even the Garda can relax and enjoy the spectacle.
There are plenty of interesting people to talk to or to interview !!
After Minister McDowell (on the left) and the lucky ones had left we get the chance to go in for ourselves.
If you are there on the morning of the winter solstice then you get the chance to get into Newgrange Passage Grave for free !! Small groups are taken into the chamber and the sunrise is simulated by artificial lights. It's not the same but gives a realistic effect of the sunrise.
A view looking from inside the passage grave out towards the entrance. The top box is clearly visible and it is here that the sunlight shines through. The lower box is where visitors walk through into the passage grave, as you can see it is very narrow and you have to walk in single file.Also on the right hand side you can see some artwork on the stones.
Unfortunately this year the clouds got in the way but it was still a mystical event and I'm sure we will have better look next year. Click here to see Newgrange Winter Solstice 2004 - one of the better ones.
