Winter solstice at Ireland’s Newgrange attracts 2,000 visitors

Around 2,000 people have gathered at Newgrange, Ireland, to celebrate the winter solstice.

The Neolithic passage tomb, part of the Brú no Bóinne complex, is designed so sunlight enters the inner chamber at dawn.

Skies were mostly clear, but low cloud on the eastern horizon obscured the sunrise. Even so, enough light filtered through the roof box for the effect to be visible. As the cloud lifted later in the morning, visitors queued for a chance to enter the chamber.

Only 14 people were inside at sunrise: two guides and six winners of the free solstice lottery, each with a companion.