Written by Ciaran on Dec 19, 2025 | 6 Comments
An important astronomical event that is acknowledged in nearly every culture around the globe, the solstice has a long history in Ireland linked to many fascinating traditions. Some have been lost to the mists of time, while others trace their roots back to Gaelic or Celtic culture and beyond.
What does solstice mean? How long has the solstice been marked here in Ireland? What ancient traditions mark the December solstice in particular in Ireland? How and where can you mark the winter solstice in Ireland today? Read on to find the answers to these questions and more.
The winter solstice was one of the most important celebrations in the pre-Christian world. All over the Northern Hemisphere, ancient festivals marked the shortest days of the year when the sun appeared to “stand still.” Solstice is from the Latin sōl-stitium, meaning Sun stop or Sun still. The word in Irish has the same meaning, grianstad (GREE-un-stad), which translates as sun stop.
Several of these solstice festivals have survived to this day, while others have been incorporated into modern-day celebrations. We know the winter solstice has been marked in Ireland for at least 5,000 years!
The spectacular Síd in Broga cairn at Newgrange, Co Meath, was built around 3,200 BC, with its entrance in precise alignment with the rising sun over the solstice each winter. This imposing and mysterious monument is a testament to the importance of this time of year for the ancient people of Ireland.
This monument continued to be of importance for different people hundreds and even thousands of years later. Newgrange is our modern name for the site, but in Celtic mythology it was known as An Brug, the house or dwelling of the Tuatha De Danann.
This mythical race lived in the “Other World” underneath our feet. According to myth, the solstice marked a great battle each year between the Oak King, who represented the light, and the Holly King, who represented the dark. Each year, the Oak King would finish victorious at the winter solstice, and daylight would slowly return to the island until it was time to do battle again at the summer solstice.
Feasting, time with friends and family, gathering around the fire burning Yule logs, and decorating with holly and mistletoe: these traditions trace their roots back to Celtic winter solstice traditions. They have all been incorporated into our modern-day Christmas traditions, itself a mid-winter celebration.
The day after the winter solstice marks the beginning of the lengthening of days, leading up to the summer solstice on June 21st. And despite the many, many hours of darkness in January, you will still hear Irish people jokingly say that there's a “grand stretch” in the evenings. Probably much like our ancient ancestors, we feel relieved once December 21st has passed, bringing a sense that the days are lengthening, even if it’s not all that noticeable until spring.
But it is ancient ceremonial sites that are the main focus of many present-day winter solstice celebrations in Ireland. The Hill of Tara and Loughcrew in Meath, Knockroe Passage Tomb in Kilkenny, and Carrowkeel in Sligo all host gatherings over the winter solstice.
The main event for many is at Newgrange, Co Meath. From the 18th to the 23rd of December, a narrow beam of golden sunlight illuminates this ancient structure at sunrise - weather permitting! This spectacular event is a spiritual experience for those lucky enough to witness this astronomical wonder. Many thousands of people apply to a lottery for a coveted and rare ticket each year. Only 20 people can fit in the tomb, so it really is a golden ticket!
You can watch the event live this year wherever you are in the world. The OPW are broadcasting live from the chamber at Newgrange on Dec 21st You can join the lucky 20 people onsite from the comfort of your own home wherever you are in the world to watch the solstice sun light up this ancient site. That's if the weather plays along. You probably already know that this is something that we can't always count on here in Ireland, but we may be lucky!
And if you really fancy your luck, you can apply for tickets for next year’s winter solstice! Even without a golden ticket, large crowds gather outside the monument with a fantastic sense of occasion at dawn. So it's well worth a visit.
Will you mark the Winter Solstice yourself? If you're a morning person, you could get up to witness the solstice sunrise or set your alarm to watch the live stream from Newgrange. And for those that prefer a lie-in, you could hang some holly, light a fire, or share a great meal, if not a feast, with friends and family. Whatever you get up to, we hope the solstice brings you health and plenty in the coming year - just as our ancestors hoped each winter!
These sacred landscapes and the reverence for the sun of our ancient ancestors have inspired our Newgrange Collection. A piece of Newgrange jewelry makes a thoughtful gift, ideal for the Irish history or culture buff.
Have a question or something you're not entirely sure about when browsing our pieces? Please reach out. You can send us a note or give us a call—the Dublin workshop is here to make sure that you have a perfect experience from start to finish with My Irish Jeweler.
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Ciaran
My Irish Jeweler
Born in Co. Antrim and reared in Dublin, I was fascinated with Gaelic culture from an early age. I suppose it's not surprising given my mother inherited a grá for the Irish language from my grandfather, an Irish school headmaster. And that grá continues! My brother and sister are now Gaelic teachers here in Ireland, my niece is an award winning Irish dancer, and I proudly work to share Irish culture through our Irish and Celtic Jewelry at My Irish Jeweler!
I love researching and reading about the history of Irish design. It's at the core of what we do here at My Irish Jeweler. I find much of it so interesting that I have to share what I find. I hope you enjoy it!
You are most welcome Gemma - the translation for winter solstice in Irish would be "An Grianstad" which literally translates as "the sun stop." Or you could say "grianstad an gheimhridh" - "sun stop of the winter" given there is another solstice in the summer.
Thank you for all of these wonderful articles. My 10 year old son and I have been tracing our family roots recently. It is wonderful to read of these traditions and learn about what our ancestors would celebrate.
That's fantastic Tonya that you and your son are learning together! Thanks for taking the time to read and for reaching out -- we're so glad to have you here. Happy New Year!
Thank you, Peter! I love reading your blogs - learning new things and reliving some of my travels across Ireland. And it’s so helpful being able to rack up all those travel miles on my credit card ever time I shop your website! Cheers, Laurie
We're so glad you enjoyed the blog, Laurie! Thanks for visiting with us time and time again. We look forward to welcoming you to our workshop when you're next back in Ireland. Happy Holidays! Liz & the My Irish Jeweler team
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Great information.
Thanks
What is the Irish word for winter solstice?