27-09-2013 Newgrange Winter Solstice Draw an international event

Mr. Brian Hayes, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) today congratulated the lucky winners in the Winter Solstice Lottery Draw for 2013. The Draw takes place each year in the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre to select the names of the people who will be allowed access to the Newgrange chamber over the winter solstice period. This year the OPW received almost 29,500 applications, from destinations all around the world, proof of the enduring popularity of this amazing annual cultural showpiece.

Minister Hayes also reminded schoolchildren that OPW are running the Newgrange Art Competition again this year. “I am delighted to announce that the art competition is open to both primary and post-primary school children this year from 3rd class to 6th year. The prize is highly coveted - six lucky winners, along with a parent/guardian, will be present in the chamber at Newgrange on the Solstice morning. This is an extraordinary privilege, both for the schoolchildren and lottery draw winners alike and I congratulate the lottery winners and wish the students the best of luck with their entries.”

The 50 winning lottery tickets were chosen by children from three local national schools, Donore NS, Knockcommon NS and Slane NS and hailed from diverse locations such as USA, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Italy, Austria, England and many Counties throughout Ireland. The winning applicants have access to the chamber on one of the days between 18 and 23 December.  On these dates, light from the rising sun enters the Newgrange chamber and illuminates the ancient passage tomb.  The winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, also marks the changing of the seasons, when days become longer and nights become shorter.  It was considered by the ancients as a time of growth, a time of rebirth and marks an important day in our calendar.

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For further information or if you wish to interview Minister of State Hayes, please contact Colette Davis, OPW Press Officer at 046 9426128 or 087 9475552 or colette.davis@opw.ie