Hundreds of people have gathered at Newgrange in County Meath to celebrate the shortest day of the year.
They gathered to witness the Winter Solstice illumination of the 19-metre long passage inside the 5,200 year-old tomb.
The spectacular event was also livestreamed by the Office of Public Works.
Despite the sun finally breaking through the cloud this morning, it was too late to fully illuminate the Neolithic tomb's central chamber but that did not dampen the spirits of the larger than usual crowd in attendance.
Some 18,500 people entered a lottery to gain access to the central chamber but just 16 lucky ticket holders were inside, the furthest of those travelling from South Carolina in the US.
Viewers from around the world watched the morning sunrise by tuning into the live stream while hundreds of people gathered outside the 5,000-year-old passage tomb in a celebration of song and dance to mark the climax of winter.
Unfortunately, cloud cover meant that for the majority of the 17-minute window during which time the chamber can be illuminated, it lay in darkness.
However, with just minutes to go, the clouds parted and a small chunk of sunlight could been seen inside the chamber, making it a memorable Winter Solstice for both those inside and outside the Newgrange monument.
When the sun is specifically 23.5 degrees south in latitude and directly over the Tropic of Capricorn, which occurs on and around 21 December each year, the Winter Solstice takes place.
At its farthest southerly point, having moved slowly since last June, the sun "stops" for approximately three days before it starts to creep back north again.
During this period of time, there is a peak moment of the solstice and this year, that will occur at 9.20am this morning.
Depending on the weather, 17 minutes of direct sunlight can enter the Newgrange monument through the specially contrived small opening above its entrance known as the 'roof box' and illuminate the central chamber of the passage tomb.
For many who gather at Newgrange each Winter Solstice, the event marks a pause or resetting as people celebrate in the knowledge that summer is on its way and longer days are ahead.
