People gather at the Newgrange monument to witness the winter solstice sunrise.
At the Neolithic passage tomb at Newgrange (Brú na Bóinne) in Meath, ancient peoples honoured their dead on one of the most significant dates in the solar calendar. Visitors who gathered at the monument marvel at those who had the ability to,
Harness the solstice with such pinpoint appreciation of architecture and astronomy.
Today a small group, who were fortunate to be present inside the monument, saw the dawn light making its way through the passage tomb to light up the interior.
Next year as part of the Millennium celebration in Ireland RTÉ hopes to broadcast the winter solstice from Negrange. Minister for Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands Síle De Valera hopes the broadcast will emphasise,
How tremendous this heritage is.
RTÉ producer Peter Feeney describes next year’s event as,
A symbolic beginning of the new Millennium.
Broadcasters should be aware however that during the last twelve years, the sun has only shone on the winter solstice three times.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 21 December 1998. The reporter is Tony Connelly.
