For the second consecutive year, there will be no one allowed to attend Newgrange for the winter solstice.
The Office of Public Works (OPW), in partnership with the National Monuments Service (NMS) of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage confirmed the news on Thursday, but there is good news for anyone who still wants to see the annual event.
A live stream will once again be provided - you can tune in across the mornings of December 20, 21 and 22 on gov.ie/opw and heritageireland.ie
The solstice marks the moment the sun shines at its most southern point, directly over the Tropic of Capricorn.
It been celebrated by pagans for thousands of years, and many of the traditions now associated with Christmas had their roots in winter solstice celebrations - including the Christmas tree.
The world might look pretty grim now, but remember: as soon as the solstice has passed, the days will start getting longer again and you can start looking forward to Spring.
Speaking today, Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), Patrick O’Donovan, said: “I understand the disappointment of the public with the closure of the Chamber, especially at this significant time of the year, but we have to be mindful of the Government Guidelines in relation to COVID-19 and the health and safety of our visitors at all times.
"While the Chamber cannot be accessed, it is great that the OPW is able once more to broadcast the Winter Solstice Sunrise live each morning to the four corners of the world, where we can all gather and watch the passing of the longest night of the year and welcome the new year of the Solar Calendar.
"Watching the light creep into the five-thousand-year-old passage tomb in real time is a moving event that has the power to fill us with wonder and hope."
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