Irish monument marking both the rising and setting solstice sun — and it's not Newgrange

Knockroe in Lingaun Valley between Tipperary and Kilkenny has a dual Winter Solstice alignment, with the eastern passageway aligned with the rising sun, and the western passageway aligned to the setting sun

Knockroe: The western tomb aligned with the Winter Solstice sunset. Picture: tuatha.ie

As the winter solstice — Friday, December 22 — approaches, many eyes will turn to the great monument of Newgrange in the Boyne Valley. Newgrange has become world-famous for its winter solstice alignment. Every year — or at least on those years where the Irish winter sky is clear — a thin finger of golden light from the rising sun is channeled up the ancient passageway into the burial chamber. It has become a focal point for celebration.

Aerial view of Knockroe showing the two passageways. Picture: Tuatha.ie