The Sun Setting on Summer Solstice at Dowth
The Sun Setting on Summer Solstice at Dowth
Dowth is one of the three largest Neolithic monuments in Ireland. Along with Newgrange and Knowth, it is part of the Brú na Bóinne Unesco World Heritage Site at the Bend of the Boyne in County Meath. It is something of a forgotten monument, though, as it is not part of the official OPW tour. However, it is open 24/7 and is a place I have enjoyed spending many reflectful and enjoyable hours at over the past four decades.
Dowth has a special boast. It has two known chambers, one of which is lit up by the setting sun on the days around winter solstice. This means that Newgrange is not the only one of the trio with a solstice alignment.
However, although Dowth is known for its winter solstice alignment, the mythology of the site suggests that summer solstice was also a special time when the monument was constructed. That myth speaks of endless day and the stopping of the sun.
In this image, taken on the longest days of the year, I wanted to capture something of the vitality of the summer solstice at Dowth, and indeed the beauty of it. The mound is today half-covered with furze bushes (also known as gorse or whins) and a great sycamore tree has been growing out of its southern side for the past two centuries.
As the sun set on the horizon, the cloud formations were spectacular. It looked as if the clouds were emerging from the ancient cairn, streaking their long fingers in mottled tendrils across the sky.
Bring a little bit of the beauty and mysticism of the Boyne Valley landscape into your home by purchasing a limited edition print of this image for your wall.
Materials
Materials
Printed on high quality photographic paper that is fade resistant. The watermark (logo) shown is not on the final print.
Dimensions
Dimensions
Medium Landscape
Unmounted
Free Shipping Worldwide
H x W
20.3cm x 30.5cm
8" x 12"
Large Landscape
Unmounted
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H x W
30.5cm x 45.7cm
12" x 18"
Extra Large Landscape
Unmounted
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H x W
61.0cm x 40.6cm
24" x 16"
Super Large Landscape
Unmounted
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H x W
91.4cm x 60.0cm
36" x 24"
Portrait prints are the same dimensions except the height and width are swapped.
3 for 2 & Free Shipping
3 for 2 & Free Shipping
This limited edition print qualifies for our 3 for 2 pricing which will be automatically applied at checkout. Just add two more qualifying prints to your basket. All prints included free postage worldwide.
Caring for Prints
Caring for Prints
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Limited Edition Prints by Anthony Murphy
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Exclusive
All of my prints are limited to a numbered run of just 100. Each item is individually printed to order by a specialist printshop in Drogheda using archive quality photographic paper.
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Print Quality
The image on the website is low resolution with a watermark. The prints are very high resolution, accurately coloured, with no watermark. Each one is signed and numbered on the rear.
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Unique
I am one of Ireland's best-known ancient monuments photographers. I have an eye for evocative imagery that reminds the viewer of the timelessness of the mythical Irish landscape.
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