Spectators gather for 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.

Today is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. The chamber is aligned with the midwinter sun to illuminate as a shaft of sunlight enters the roof-box of the monument at eight minutes before nine o'clock and lights up the chamber for seventeen minutes.

However cloudy weather conditions this morning have hampered the sun's ray of light. Other guests in the chamber include Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Noel Ahern, and two members of the public who were chosen by lottery to attend.