The Winter Solstice In Ireland, A 5,000 year old Annual Event

[BadPinkTink]

Its almost December 21 and for Irish people, that means only one thing, the annual Winter Solstice event at Newgrange, a 5,000 year old passage tomb.

Newgrange is a World Heritage site in the East of Ireland, about an hours drive from Dublin. It was built by Stone Age farmers approx 3,200 BC. (yes fact fans, it is older than the Pyramids in Egypt!!) The entrance passageway was built facing the rising sun. The passage way was built in such a way that the only time natural light from the sun shines directly in the narrow entrance is during the Winter Solstice. At all other times of the year, the entrance passageway is in darkness.

For the last number of years, this amazing natural wonder has been broadcast online on the Newgrange website and live streaming on YouTube.

You can watch this amazing ancient experience here https://www.irelandsancienteast.com/wintersolstice/ The broadcast starts at 8.30am GMT / London Time = 3.30am New York time =12.30am LA time on Wednesday 20 December and Thursday 21 December

@poison ivy @Johnny Quest @Iron Man tagging you so you dont miss it

 

[Kitty 34]

So do we wish you a happy Winter Solstice? If so, Happy Winter Solstice!

 

[BadPinkTink]

So do we wish you a happy Winter Solstice? If so, Happy Winter Solstice!

Not really, lol, most Irish people dont "celebrate" its more a historical national event. The President of Ireland or other main dignitary will attend and it gets shown on the Irish news. Everyone learns about Newgrange in school and before the internet, the Irish State Broadcaster, RTE used to have it live on TV.

The passage tomb can only hold about 20 people and every year there is a free lottery for members of the general public to be part of the group.

 

[MrsDuck]

Very cool! We are an Irish American family and I always love your posts!

 

[amberpi]

One of my most favorite places in the world, along with the Giant's Causeway.

 

[poison ivy]

Excellent! We loved visiting Newgrange. Took the opportunity to go from Dublin on the British Isles cruise. What an incredible place to visit. Winter Solstice is a highly coveted event and we were encouraged to enter the lottery for a rare chance to be present but we never did. Too bad. This is one place I will forever be affected by. To go inside the passage tomb, knowing you are standing in the exact same place as inhabitants from the Stone Age, and look up at the ceiling constructed of nothing but hand laid stone from 5000 yrs ago (no mortar) even in the darkness was absolutely overwhelming. Hopefully I'll be able to tune in for any online coverage I can find on the 21st! Thanks.

 

[marcyleecorgan]

OH YEAH Solstice time again!!!! Drinking and bonfires! YAY!