Available from 19th to 23rd December, this special tour begins with collection from your accommodation at an arranged time before dawn. We travel to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, where you will join the morning group at Newgrange Passage Tomb to witness the sunrise.
While the solstice sunrise depends on weather — and Ireland often keeps her mysteries well hidden behind the clouds — standing on that ground, knowing what happens when the light does break through, is unforgettable. You are walking in the footsteps of the Neolithic people who built this chamber over 5,000 years ago, guided by the sun and the stars.
Each year, a small lottery determines who may enter the chamber at sunrise — just ten winners, each bringing one guest. After the chosen group emerges, you will step inside the tomb yourself for a guided visit and a demonstration of the solstice light as it would appear.
Tour Itinerary in Detail
1. Brú na Bóinne and Newgrange Passage Tomb
We begin before sunrise at the visitor centre before travelling by shuttle to Newgrange, the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour includes a guided exploration of the tomb, its ancient carvings, and the recreation of the solstice alignment — a quiet and awe-inspiring moment that connects the present to Ireland’s earliest civilisation.
2. Alison and Pat’s Sheep Farm
From there, we visit a 300-year-old working sheep farm nearby, run by Alison and Pat. Alison hand-spins wool from her own Jacob sheep, creating beautiful textiles available in the farm’s craft shop — perfect for thoughtful, local Christmas gifts. You will see the spinning process, meet the flock, and enjoy a glimpse of Irish rural life that hasn’t changed much in generations.
3. The Hill of Tara
Next, we travel to the Hill of Tara, once the seat of Ireland’s High Kings. As we walk to the summit, I’ll share stories of mythology, power, and ceremony. On a clear day, you can see across twelve counties — the same view that ancient rulers once looked upon. Tara combines history and spirituality in a way few places can.
4. Lunch Stop
We pause for lunch at a local restaurant that prides itself on serving fresh, locally produced food, with a menu that changes with the season. This is a warm, relaxed break after the early start — and if you wish, a glass of mulled wine adds a festive touch to the day.
5. Fourknocks Passage Tomb
Our final stop is Fourknocks Passage Tomb, a hidden Neolithic site rarely included on standard tours. Access is by key, which we will collect locally, giving us the rare privilege of entering alone. The stillness inside, broken only by the sound of your own breath, makes this one of Ireland’s most spiritual places — a perfect way to close the day.
We then return you to your accommodation after what will surely be one of the most memorable days of your life.
