An astounding display of astrological genius by the ancient Irish – best showcased by the once-a-year illumination of a giant prehistoric tomb – has been scuppered by bad weather.
The highly-anticipated 5,000-year-old sun ritual, which occurs annually on the shortest day of the year (December 21), sees a beam of light travel up the burial monument’s narrow passageway before lighting up its main chamber for 17 minutes.
However, the majesty of Newgrange – an engineering masterpiece and a focal point in Ireland’s rich tapestry of mythology – is still weather-dependent. Overcast skies and rain meant the light show never came to pass.
