Newgrange winter solstice: next dates and times
Short answer: The next Newgrange winter solstice is on 19 Dec 2026 (sunrise 08:42, local time). In 2026 the dates are 19 Dec 2026 and 20 Dec 2026 and 21 Dec 2026 and 22 Dec 2026 and 23 Dec 2026.
For a few mornings around the winter solstice, the rising sun shines through the roof-box and along the 19 m passage of the 5,000-year-old tomb.
Upcoming dates
| Date | What | Time (local) |
|---|---|---|
| Sat 19 Dec 2026 | -2 days from the solstice | Sunrise 08:42 |
| Sun 20 Dec 2026 | -1 day from the solstice | Sunrise 08:42 |
| Mon 21 Dec 2026 | December solstice | Sunrise 08:43 |
| Tue 22 Dec 2026 | +1 day from the solstice | Sunrise 08:43 |
| Wed 23 Dec 2026 | +2 days from the solstice | Sunrise 08:44 |
| Mon 20 Dec 2027 | -2 days from the solstice | Sunrise 08:42 |
| Tue 21 Dec 2027 | -1 day from the solstice | Sunrise 08:43 |
| Wed 22 Dec 2027 | December solstice | Sunrise 08:43 |
| Thu 23 Dec 2027 | +1 day from the solstice | Sunrise 08:44 |
| Fri 24 Dec 2027 | +2 days from the solstice | Sunrise 08:44 |
| Tue 19 Dec 2028 | -2 days from the solstice | Sunrise 08:42 |
| Wed 20 Dec 2028 | -1 day from the solstice | Sunrise 08:42 |
| Thu 21 Dec 2028 | December solstice | Sunrise 08:43 |
| Fri 22 Dec 2028 | +1 day from the solstice | Sunrise 08:43 |
| Sat 23 Dec 2028 | +2 days from the solstice | Sunrise 08:44 |
| Wed 19 Dec 2029 | -2 days from the solstice | Sunrise 08:42 |
| Thu 20 Dec 2029 | -1 day from the solstice | Sunrise 08:42 |
| Fri 21 Dec 2029 | December solstice | Sunrise 08:43 |
| Sat 22 Dec 2029 | +1 day from the solstice | Sunrise 08:43 |
| Sun 23 Dec 2029 | +2 days from the solstice | Sunrise 08:44 |
Where to stand
Inside the chamber, by free lottery run by the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre; outside viewing is open to all.
Enter the lottery at the visitor centre or online in autumn.
Questions
When is Newgrange winter solstice 2026?
The next Newgrange winter solstice is on 19 Dec 2026 (sunrise 08:42, local time). In 2026 the dates are 19 Dec 2026 and 20 Dec 2026 and 21 Dec 2026 and 22 Dec 2026 and 23 Dec 2026.
Where is the best place to see Newgrange winter solstice?
Inside the chamber, by free lottery run by the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre; outside viewing is open to all.
Does weather matter for Newgrange winter solstice?
Yes: you need a clear view of the eastern horizon. Enter the lottery at the visitor centre or online in autumn.
Calculated from the sun's position (Meeus) for County Meath, Ireland; times are local (Europe/Dublin). Buildings, hills and haze can shift what you see by a few minutes.