Cairn T has been closed to the public since October 2018.
There is currently no access to the interior of the chamber on equinox mornings.
Visitors may still gather outside the cairn to watch the sunrise.
On 21 March 2014 the spring equinox sunrise reached Cairn T on Carnbane East.
As the sun lifted above the hills, a beam of light traveled along the passage
and struck the carved backstone at the rear of the chamber.
This 5,000-year-old alignment still works on the mornings around the equinox,
when the tomb is open and the weather allows a clear horizon.
Good sunshine for the Spring Equinox illumination of Loughcrew Cairn T, Photo by Clare Tuffy.
The builders set the passage so that rising sunlight would pick out the sun symbols,
zigzags and other motifs on the backstone. For a short time the chamber is split
between darkness and a moving patch of gold. Whether the effect was used in ritual,
or simply as a calendar of the seasons, it shows a close knowledge of the sun's path
and of how to build in stone to catch it.
Smiles all round from the people who made the effort to get up early for the Spring Equinox, Photo by Clare Tuffy.
Spring Equinox sunbeam illuminates the chamber of Loughcrew Cairn T.
Loughcrew Video - Spring Equinox 2005
The progress of the sunbeam on the backstone inside Cairn T at Loughcrew was video recorded at sunrise on the morning of March 23rd 2005. The 50 minute recording is compressed to 1 minute 46 seconds.
Touring the ancient sites with Michael was an absolutely incredible experience. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable, he is also really nice and funny, so it felt like traveling with a close friend.
Read the full TripAdvisor review
Spend a day immersed in Ireland's prehistoric landscape, with more time to appreciate ancient passage tombs, megalithic art, and quieter archaeological sites.
Following official visits to Newgrange and Knowth, the day continues to monuments such as
Dowth and Fourknocks.
A custom private tour can also include the cairns at Loughcrew.
Price €675 for up to six guests, plus booking fees.
Good sunshine for the Spring Equinox illumination of Loughcrew Cairn T, Photo by Clare Tuffy.
Smiles all round from the people who made the effort to get up early for the Spring Equinox, Photo by Clare Tuffy.
Spring Equinox sunbeam illuminates the chamber of Loughcrew Cairn T.
Equinox sunlight on the backstone in Cairn T.
