dowth

Dowth is the third of the great passage graves in the royal cemetery at Bru na Boinne. Similar in size to Newgrange an Knowth (85 metres in diameter and 15m in height), it has unfortunately suffered considerably more weathering and erosin than its neighbours over the years. Dowth contains two modest passages, both situated in the western part of the mound and located about 20 metres apart. The more northerly tomb is the most impressive; it is of cruciform design and off one of the side chambers is an annex of two cells. A souterrian, which was first discovered in 1885, connects with the 9 metre passage to the tomb. The southern tomb is less impressive; while the rounded chamber is 4 metres in diameter it contains a modern roof and the passage is quite short-measuring only 3 metres. The name Dowth is a derivative of the old Gaelic Dubad, meaning darkness. The great mound is said to have been built by King Bressail Bodibal ('Bressal the Cow Destroyer'). He secured the services of all the men of Ireland for one day so as to construct a mound that would reach the heavens.