And shortly before getting cut off entirely, for a brief period a rectangle of amber light forms on the very back wall of the chamber. A magical, fleeting moment.

It's been a long day, many of those gathered on top of the great mound of Dowth watched the sun rise that morning from across the Boyne river at Newgrange. Now, with no signs yet of weariness, a smaller crowd stands bathed in the golden sunset.

On a day of spectacle and awe, the fading sun gathers people closely together, as it has done in the Boyne Valley now for thousands of years.

The remaining few catching the last light on top of Dowth.

And as the sun sets below the horizon, the near full solstice moon rises to take it's place and darkness begins to fall in the Boyne Valley.