Fáilte Ireland and the OPW have teamed up to give everyone an opportunity to watch the winter Solstice effect within the passage tomb at Newgrange.

Summer is now truly upon us with the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere occurring on June 21. Since the Winter Solstice in December, the Sun has been rising higher in the sky each day, but on June 21 this behaviour stops and the sun is said to “stand still”. The word ‘solstice’ is derived from the Latin solstitium, from ‘sol’ (sun) and ‘stitium’ (to stop).

Pat Rigney chose ‘remote and wild’ Drumshambo to distill gin and whiskey for world markets, writes Trish Dromey.

Dick Warner takes a look at the importance of the Winter Solstice to nature and its wildlife.

Crisp cold nights, a touch of frost on the ground and the lure of a cosy fire might conspire to keep us indoors in December, but it really is worth popping your head outside, even for a few minutes, to soak in the wonders of the night sky.

Kya deLongchamps lifts the lid on the people behind that simple stalwart of our winter feast, those who grown the crop that becomes the focal point of festivities.

It is the shortest day of the year, and crowds will gather for sun-up at Newgrange in Co Meath to mark the event.

Though the Mayans never really predicted that the world would end tomorrow, some New Agers are convinced that humanity’s demise is imminent. Or at least that it’s a good excuse for a party.

There is only a year left before December 21, 2012, when some believe the Mayans predicted the end of the world.

Dublin’s Temple Bar will be transformed into a festive food market today with entertainment and surprises.

CRUELLY but superbly, you wrote recently that Bertie Ahern had been measured for his lame duck suit(October 4).

One of the most mysterious sites of ancient Ireland will this morning attract devotees keen to observe the first light of the Winter Solstice.

The British Ambassador to Ireland, Ivor Roberts, was among a group spectators currently gathered inside the inner chamber of Newgrange in County Meath to witness the midwinter sunrise.