The Newgrange tunnel will be closed to the public again this year as the winter solstice takes place.
However, thanks to modern technology, you can still experience the astronomical phenomenon, which marks the shortest day and longest night of the year.
The winter solstice occurs when the sun shines directly over the Capricorn tropic.
Newgrange is the perfect place to experience the event as the passage chamber is aligned with the rising sun on the mornings of Winter Solstice.
The stone passage in Boyne, Co Meath dates back before the pyramids and is a vital part of Irish history.
The passage is 19 meters long, and those who have visited will know it leads to a chamber with three alcoves.
A roof box is located above the entrance opening, allowing a beam of light to travel down the passage and illuminate the chamber.
As the sun rises, the beam widens, filling the chamber with light for around 17 minutes.
How can I watch?
Due to Covid, the public will not be permitted to attend the event this year.
However, the Newgrange visitor centre, Brú na Bóinne, is open to visitors from 9am to 4pm daily.
The public has been asked not to travel to the site itself as road closures will be in place around the landmark.
While the chamber is closed, a research project is being carried out on Newgrange to measure and monitor the movement of the winter sunlight through the roof box and into the passage and chamber.
Researchers hope to determine how the bean of dawn light affects the chamber before, during and after the Solstice.
For those interested in seeing the event, the last day the Winter Solstice can be viewed is December 22nd, and like last year, the Office of Public Works will be live-streaming the event here at 8.45am.
