The Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced the 38 lucky winners of the 2025 Newgrange Winter Solstice Lottery, who will have the rare opportunity to witness the spectacular sunrise alignment inside the ancient Newgrange Chamber at Brú na Bóinne, Co. Meath this December.
The annual draw took place at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, where children from Donore, Knockcommon, and Slane National Schools had the special task of selecting the winners.
For the first time, applications were accepted online — a change that saw a remarkable 16,000 entries from across Ireland and around the world. This year’s winners include people from Belfast, Cork, Limerick, and Meath, as well as entrants from as far afield as California, France, the Netherlands, New York, and Taiwan.
Each of the winners, along with a guest, will be invited to experience the solstice light entering the chamber on one of the mornings between 19 and 23 December 2025.
Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW, Kevin “Boxer” Moran, said the event continues to capture the imagination of people across the globe.
“The Winter Solstice at Newgrange is a unique event that attracts visitors from around the world, as shown by the wide range of locations of this year’s winners. The lottery draw always brings great excitement to the local community, with children from nearby schools playing an important role. I have no doubt each winner will be delighted with their good fortune and will appreciate this truly special experience.”
For those not lucky enough to win a ticket, the OPW has confirmed that the Winter Solstice sunrise will be livestreamed on Sunday, 21 December, allowing viewers everywhere to share in this extraordinary event from home.
Further details about the livestream will be released in the coming weeks.
For more information, visit Newgrange Winter Solstice Lottery 2025 | Heritage Ireland.
