Many thousands more around the world enjoy the live stream of the event
The winners of this year’s lottery run by the Office of Public Works (OPW) were on hand to experience the Winter Solstice sunrise from within the Chamber at the Neolithic Passage Tomb of Newgrange.
The lucky few came from near and far, including winners from Antrim, Dublin, Cork and Galway as well as Sweden, Germany, Canada and the USA. They we were joined by people from around the world watching the livestream of the 2023 Winter Solstice.
Fortunately, the horizon cleared, so in person and online, people got to experience the phenomenon of partial sunlight entering the monument through the roof box of Newgrange monument while outside, hundreds gathered to celebrate.
“I am delighted to welcome the winners of the very popular OPW Winter Solstice Lottery competition here to Newgrange” said Minister Patrick O’Donovan. “They have been very fortunate to witness first hand this solar phenomenon.
“I am also pleased that we were able to live stream the event again this year so that people across the globe had an opportunity to witness this in the comfort of their homes. The Winter Solstice is a very significant occasion where we move past the long dark evenings and look forward to new beginnings for the year ahead”.
Minister O’Donovan also launch the first of a fleet of new electric buses at Brú na which will gradually replace the old fleet of diesel buses that currently transport visitors from the Visitor Centre for tours of Newgrange and Knowth. This is one of many OPW initiatives in advancing sustainable solutions that help reduce the impact on climate change.
“It is a great honour to launch the electric buses here today” Donovan said. “This move represents a significant milestone on OPW’s journey to play our part in taking action against climate change”.
