Newgrange megalithic tomb... Part III

The best place to observe the "rebirth of the sun" on the Winter Solstice is at the Newgrange Megalithic tomb located in the Boyne Valley in County Meath, Ireland.

The 19 metre long passage and chamber of Newgrange are illuminated at the time of the Winter Solstice sunrise. As the sun begins to rise, a shaft of sunlight enters the small box shaft over the entrance and travels along the passage to light up the chamber. This dramatic event usually lasts for approximately 17 minutes at dawn on the day of the Solstice, and the few mornings before and after.

So many visitors come, that admission into the chamber is by lottery only. Applications are taken in September, the successful applicants are informed in October. Out of around 30,000 only 50 are chosen, each able to bring one person with them. Each of the mornings around the Solstice 10 lottery winners and their guests are allowed entrance into the chamber.

Newgrange is a World Heritage centre attracting over 200,000 each year.

Inside the chamber there are stone carvings often recognised as Irish Celtic symbols...although they were carved at least 2500 years before the Cells even reached Ireland. These carvings are approximately 30cms in diameter...much smaller than the tri-spiral design on the entrance stone.

The wonderful corbelled roof of the cruciform chamber.

The 52nd kerbstone at the back of the monument.

Perhaps one one day you too may visit Newgrange.

All photos are courtesy of Pixabay.
Drawing author's own.