Ireland

No winter solstice light at the end of the Newgrange tunnel

Hundreds gathered at Newgrange in Co Meath
Hundreds gathered at Newgrange in Co Meath Hundreds gathered at Newgrange in Co Meath

Hundreds of people from around the world gathered at Newgrange for the winter solstice yesterday - but there was no light at end of tunnel.

Wet and cloudy weather prevented sunlight from lighting up the inner chamber of the 5,000-year-tomb in Co Meath.

Crowds gather every year for the solstice, in the hope that golden sunlight will penetrate the ancient tomb on the shortest day of the year.

A lottery takes place to select those who will be allowed access into the Newgrange chamber.

This year, more than 30,000 applications were received from destinations all around the world.

The 50 winners hailed from places including California, South Africa, Australia, Cork and Antrim, with many others gathering outside.

Newgrange points out that "there is no guarantee that there will be sunlight in the chamber, the event is totally weather dependent".

And so it proved, with rain and clouds dulling the light show again.

Those lucky to be inside the chamber in 2013 were the first in six years to witness the passage tomb being lit up.