The archaeology, mythology and astronomy of Dowth 15th June 2024
A tour of the fascinating history and alignments of Brú na Bóinne's forgotten giant Neolithic passage-tombCost:
€8.50 – €38.00 per personDuration:
1h 30minAbout this experience
Dowth is one of the three giant megalithic passage-tombs of Brú na Bóinne (along with Newgrange and Knowth). Although it has not been excavated in recent times, like its sisters, Dowth is an extraordinary monument with two known chambers and a kerb of 115 giant stones.
Explore the story of Dowth with Anthony Murphy of Mythical Ireland, see some of its wonderful megalithic art, and hear about how the monument could have been destroyed in the 19th century but was saved by the fact that it didn't contain any gold! Hear about Dowth's important astronomical alignments, and how it might relate to midsummer's day as we approach the summer solstice.
Take a trip back through over 5,000 years of history and legend at one of Ireland's largest but least-known monuments.
Note: Tour starts at 2pm and lasts for about an hour and a half. Note that a family ticket is for 2x adults and 2x children. Participants must make their own way to the monument. Parking is along the public road directly outside the monument.
Your Host
Anthony Murphy is a tour guide, author, mythologist and broadcaster who has published nine books about the myths and monuments of Ireland. He has appeared as a specialist on ancient Ireland on National Geographic, History Channel, Discovery Science, BBC, Channel 4 and RTÉ. He has written about mythology for the Irish Times. He runs the popular website www.mythicalireland.com and runs a weekly livestream called Live Irish Myths.