Dowth Neolithic Site - The Forgotten Sister

Dowth, a significant neolithic site, often feels a bit overlooked compared to its more famous neighbours, Newgrange and Knowth. But honestly, this ancient spot in the Boyne Valley has its own amazing stories and history, stretching back thousands of years. It’s packed with mystery, from its very old structures to the legends that have been passed down through generations. Let’s delve into what makes Dowth such a fascinating, and perhaps, truly forgotten part of Ireland’s past.

Key Takeaways

Dowth is a really old neolithic site in the Boyne Valley, not far from Newgrange and Knowth.
Its name, “Dowth,” probably comes from an old Irish word meaning “darkness,” which is pretty cool and mysterious.
There are some wild old legends about Dowth, like a king trying to build a tower to the heavens and a sorceress sister.
The site has been through a lot, including Viking raids and a big explosion in 1847.
Even after all that, you can still visit parts of Dowth today, like its ancient passages, though you might need permission.

Unearthing Dowth’s Ancient Past

The Neolithic Landscape of Dowth

Dowth, often overshadowed by its more famous siblings Newgrange and Knowth, is increasingly recognised as an integral part of the Brú na Bóinne complex. It’s now clear that Dowth passage tomb is part of a larger Neolithic landscape. About a kilometre to the NE, on the Dowth Hall estate, is the immense Dowth Henge, soon to be within a new national park. The area around Dowth was clearly a significant centre for Neolithic peoples, and further archaeological investigations continue to reveal more about their lives and beliefs. The souterrain, a tunnel-like refuge built into the kerb at the westernmost perimeter of the Dowth mound, was a late (c. fourth century CE) modification to the tomb. By the time it was built, Dowth had already served as a cemetery and ritual site for more than three millennia.

Early Mentions and Discoveries

References to Dowth appear in early Irish manuscripts, offering glimpses into its historical significance. The Annals of Ulster, a late fifteenth century manuscript, records that Dowth was targeted in 862 CE. These early mentions often link Dowth to tales of kings, gods, and mythical events, blurring the lines between history and legend. The site has been subject to various investigations over the centuries, some more destructive than others. The 1847 explosion, for example, caused significant damage, obscuring valuable archaeological evidence. Despite this, the two underground passages were preserved intact.

The Dowth Henge

Located a short distance from the Dowth passage tomb, the Dowth Henge is a massive earthwork that adds another layer to the site’s complexity. This henge, a circular enclosure defined by a bank and ditch, likely served as a ceremonial or gathering place for the Neolithic community. Its proximity to the passage tomb suggests a close relationship between the two sites, possibly indicating shared rituals or beliefs. The henge is an important feature of the in the area. Recent discoveries, including a 3D exploration of Neolithic features under the conservatory of Dowth Hall, continue to shed light on the henge’s purpose and its connection to the wider landscape. The henge is an important feature of the area.

The presence of the Dowth Henge highlights the sophisticated understanding of astronomy and engineering possessed by the Neolithic people who built it. Its alignment with celestial events, such as the solstices, suggests a deep connection to the cycles of nature and the cosmos.

Here’s a summary of key features:

Large circular enclosure
Bank and ditch construction
Possible ceremonial use

The Enigmatic Name of Dowth

Etymological Roots of Dowth

So, Dowth… where does that name even come from? It’s a bit of a head-scratcher, to be honest. The name ‘Dowth’ is thought to have evolved over centuries, with its roots possibly buried deep in the Old Irish language. Figuring out the exact origin is tricky, but most agree it’s linked to words suggesting darkness or shadow. This makes sense, considering the mound’s association with the setting sun during the winter solstice. It’s like the name itself is a clue to the secrets hidden within the ancient mound. You can explore Ireland’s archaeological heritage to learn more about the historical context.

Dubad and the Grave of Boadan

Things get even more interesting when you start digging into the old legends. One name that pops up a lot is ‘Dubad’. Apparently, Dubad is another old Irish name for Dowth. And here’s where it gets a bit spooky: Dubad was also the name of Elcmar’s shepherd, in the story where the Dagda pinched Boann (who later became the River Boyne). Dowth was said to be the grave of Boadan (in Irish, Fert Boadain).

Darkness in Legend

It’s hard to ignore the recurring theme of darkness when you’re talking about Dowth. The name itself, the stories associated with it… it all points to something mysterious and maybe even a little bit ominous. The Metrical Dindshenchas even starts the legend of Dubad (Dowth) with the line “How did Dowth [Darkness] get its name? Not hard to say…”.

It makes you wonder if the people who built Dowth were deliberately trying to create a place shrouded in mystery. Maybe they wanted to connect with the darker side of nature, or maybe they just wanted to keep their secrets safe. Whatever the reason, the name ‘Dowth’ definitely adds to the mound’s enigmatic appeal.

Here’s a quick rundown of the name’s associations:

Darkness and shadow
Dubad (another Irish name for Dowth)
Grave of Boadan

The origin of place names can be fascinating, just like the narrow sea-inlet of the hag Kerlingfjǫrðr.

Legends and Lore of Dowth

King Bressal and the Tower

Legend says that King Bressal Bodibad, facing a terrible plague, decided to build a tower reaching to heaven. His goal? To escape the devastation. He invited his subjects to work on the tower for a single day each. To speed things up, he enlisted his sorceress sister to cast a spell, stopping the sun from rising. This created a day that lasted as long as needed, allowing the tower to ascend rapidly.

Subjects worked one day each.
Sister cast a spell to stop the sun.
Tower ascended quickly under constant darkness.

The spell worked, and the tower grew taller and taller, getting dangerously close to the gods. However, an unexpected event broke the spell, leading to the tower’s downfall.

The Sorceress Sister’s Spell

The sorceress sister’s spell was instrumental in the tower’s construction. By preventing the sun from rising, she created an extended period of darkness, allowing continuous work. This magical intervention was key to the tower’s rapid ascent. The Annals of Ulster mention similar events, though not specifically related to Dowth.

The Fall of the Tower

In a surprising turn, King Bressal’s lust for his sister broke the spell. The darkness ended abruptly, and the tower came crashing down. This event marked the end of Bressal’s ambition to reach the heavens. The location of this event was called “Ferta Cuile” (The Miraculous Storehouse or Cellar), which sounds like another name for the tower. The tower’s collapse is a central part of Dowth’s lore, symbolising the consequences of ambition and broken spells.

Event	Description
Spell Casting	Sorceress stops the sun from rising.
Tower Ascent	Tower rapidly built under constant darkness.
Spell Broken	King’s lust breaks the spell.
Tower Collapse	Tower crashes down to earth.

It’s interesting how these old stories intertwine with the landscape. You can almost picture the tower reaching for the sky, and then, suddenly, falling back to earth. It makes you wonder what other secrets are hidden in the Irish business directories and the surrounding area.

Dowth’s Connection to Irish Mythology

The Dagda and Brú na Boinne

Dowth, along with Newgrange and Knowth, forms part of the Brú na Bóinne complex, an area steeped in Irish mythology. The Dagda, a prominent Celtic god, is said to have constructed Brú na Bóinne for himself and his sons, highlighting the area’s significance as a dwelling place of the gods. This echoes the presence of the three main mounds, each potentially representing different aspects of this divine family. It’s interesting how these ancient stories tie the landscape directly to the gods themselves, making the area feel truly special.

Boann and Elcmar’s Shepherd

The mythology surrounding Brú na Bóinne gets even more tangled when you consider the story of Boann, the goddess associated with the River Boyne. According to legend, the Dagda stole Boann from her rightful husband, Elcmar, and married her. Elcmar’s shepherd was named Boadan, also known as Dubad – another name for Dowth. It was said that Dowth was the grave of Boadan. This connection between the goddess of the river, a stolen love, and the name of Dowth adds layers of intrigue to the site’s history and its place in Irish folklore.

The Three Main Mounds

Brú na Bóinne is defined by its three main mounds: Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth. Each mound has its own unique characteristics and stories, but together they form a powerful symbol of Irish mythology. The Dagda was said to have built Brú na Bóinne for himself and his three sons. While Newgrange is famous for its winter solstice alignment and Knowth for its extensive collection of passage art, Dowth holds its own secrets and legends. These include:

The story of King Bressal and his tower.
The sorceress sister’s spell.
The eventual fall of the tower.

The presence of these three mounds, each with its own distinct identity, reinforces the idea that Brú na Bóinne was a place of great importance in ancient Ireland, a focal point for both the living and the divine. It makes you wonder what other stories are hidden beneath the soil, waiting to be rediscovered.

The Impact of Historical Events

Viking Raids and Plunder

It’s pretty wild to think about what these ancient sites have been through. Dowth, along with the other Brú na Bóinne tombs, wasn’t immune to the chaos of history. In the ninth century, Viking raiders, those notorious Norsemen, made their way to the area. They knew these mounds held valuable stuff, so they plundered them. Imagine the scene – longboats on the Boyne, Vikings storming the site, and centuries of history being disrupted in a single, brutal raid. It makes you wonder what treasures and stories were lost forever during those raids.

The 1847 Explosion

Okay, so picture this: it’s 1847, and some folks decide to do a bit of ‘excavating’ at Dowth. Only, they weren’t exactly careful. In fact, they used explosives. Yeah, you read that right. They basically blew a hole in the mound. The goal was to find a new chamber, but guess what? They didn’t find anything new. And to make matters worse, they didn’t document anything properly, lost the excavation plans, and just left a massive scar on the landscape. Thirty years later, someone wrote about it, highlighting the sheer mess they made. It’s like something out of a comedy of errors, except it’s a tragedy for archaeology. The Neolithic period was a long time ago, but the damage is still felt today.

Preserved Passages

Even after Dowth was put under state protection in 1882, the damage didn’t stop. The Board of Public Works decided to enlarge the opening from that botched 1847 excavation. Why? To build an entrance with an iron ladder for visitors. Seriously! So, they ended up destroying even more of the archaeological evidence that had survived the explosion. It’s like they were determined to erase the past, bit by bit. It’s now clear that the Dowth passage tomb is part of a larger Neolithic landscape. Today, efforts are focused on preserving what’s left, trying to undo some of the harm caused by those earlier events. It’s a constant battle between preservation and the impact of historical events, a battle that continues to this day.

It’s a bit depressing when you think about it. So much history, so much potential knowledge, lost because of carelessness and a lack of understanding. It really highlights the importance of responsible archaeology and preservation efforts.

Here’s a quick rundown of the damage:

Viking raids: Loss of artefacts and disruption of the site.
1847 explosion: Physical damage to the mound and loss of documentation.
Board of Public Works: Further destruction of archaeological evidence.

Dowth and Esoteric Connections

The Tower Tarot Card

I’ve been thinking a lot about the connection between Dowth and some pretty out-there ideas, and it’s led me down some interesting paths. One thing that keeps popping up is the Tower tarot card. It’s hard to ignore the similarities when you consider the legends surrounding Dowth, especially the bit about the tower collapsing. It makes you wonder if there’s more to these old stories than meets the eye.

Irish Members of The Golden Dawn

Did you know that some pretty famous Irish figures were involved in The Golden Dawn? We’re talking Yeats, his uncle George Pollexfen, Bram Stoker, Maud Gonne, and Lady Gregory. It’s a fascinating bunch, and they all had some sort of connection to the mystical or the occult. It’s not a huge leap to think they might have known about Dowth and its legends, maybe even seen it as something more than just an old mound. It’s interesting to consider how their beliefs and interests might have shaped their understanding of Irish mythology and ancient sites.

Yeats’s Poetic Inspiration

Yeats, in particular, seems to have been quite taken with the idea of towers. He even lived in one and named a book of poetry “The Tower”. It makes you wonder if Dowth, with its own tower legend, played a part in his inspiration. Maybe the stories of destruction and transformation resonated with him on a deeper level. It’s fun to think about how these ancient sites might have influenced the creative minds of the past. It’s all speculation, of course, but it adds another layer to the mystery of Dowth.

It’s all a bit of a rabbit hole, really. You start looking into the legends, then you find connections to tarot cards and secret societies, and before you know it, you’re wondering if there’s some hidden meaning behind it all. It’s probably just coincidence, but it’s fun to think about the possibilities.

Here are some of the figures connected to The Golden Dawn:

William Butler Yeats
George Pollexfen
Bram Stoker
Maud Gonne
Lady Gregory

Exploring Dowth’s Unique Features

Dowth, while often overshadowed by its more famous siblings, Newgrange and Knowth, possesses unique features that make it a fascinating site in its own right. Its less-manicured state allows for a more contemplative experience, offering a different perspective on the Neolithic landscape. Let’s explore some of these distinctive aspects.

The Stone of The Seven Suns

One of the most intriguing features of Dowth is the so-called Stone of the Seven Suns. This large kerbstone, located on the mound’s perimeter, is adorned with a complex array of carvings. While the exact meaning of these carvings remains a mystery, many believe they represent solar symbols, lunar cycles, or perhaps even a combination of both. The stone’s placement and the intricate nature of its artwork suggest it held significant importance to the people who built Dowth. It’s a reminder that passage tombs were more than just burial chambers.

The Entrance to the Right Hand Passage

Dowth actually contains two separate passage tombs, known as Dowth North and Dowth South. The entrance to the Right Hand Passage (Dowth South) is particularly noteworthy. Unlike the carefully reconstructed entrance at Newgrange, the entrance at Dowth retains a more rugged, almost untouched feel. Getting to see the megalithic art is a special experience.

Modern Access and Preservation

Dowth offers a different experience compared to the highly managed sites of Newgrange and Knowth. It’s open to the public, and you can simply walk up to the mound without needing to go through a visitor centre. This accessibility allows for a more personal and intimate encounter with the site. However, this also presents challenges in terms of preservation. The mound has suffered from past excavations, most notably the disastrous attempt in 1847, which significantly altered its structure. Today, efforts are focused on protecting what remains and ensuring that future generations can appreciate this ancient monument. The Dowth Henge is also nearby.

It’s important to remember that Dowth is a fragile site. Visitors should be mindful of their impact and avoid climbing on the mound or disturbing the stones. By respecting the site, we can help to preserve it for future generations.

Here are some ways to help with preservation:

Stick to designated paths.
Avoid touching or climbing on the stones.
Take all litter away with you.
Report any damage or vandalism to the authorities.

Dowth is a really old place with lots of cool stuff to see. It’s got ancient tombs and special carvings that tell stories from a long, long time ago. If you want to learn more about these amazing historical sites, pop over to our page for all the details!

Dowth: Still a Mystery

So, what do we make of Dowth, then? It’s pretty clear it’s been overlooked for ages, sitting there in the shadow of its more famous neighbours. You hear about Newgrange and Knowth all the time, but Dowth? Not so much. It’s got its own stories, its own secrets, and a really interesting past, even with all the damage it’s seen. Maybe it’s time we gave Dowth the attention it deserves, not just as a side note, but as a truly important part of Ireland’s ancient history. It’s still standing, still holding onto its mysteries, and that’s pretty amazing when you think about it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Dowth?

Dowth is a very old burial site in Ireland, part of a bigger area called Brú na Bóinne. It’s famous for its passage tombs, which are ancient stone structures used for burials.

Where did Dowth get its name from?

The name ‘Dowth’ comes from an old Irish word, ‘Dubad’, which means ‘darkness’. This name is linked to a legend about a king who tried to build a tower to the heavens, and his sorceress sister cast a spell to make the day last forever, causing constant darkness.

What is the main legend connected to Dowth?

A well-known story about Dowth involves King Bressal and his sister, a sorceress. They tried to build a tower to escape a terrible sickness. The sister used magic to stop the sun from rising, but the spell broke when the king did something wrong, and the tower fell down.

How does Dowth fit into Irish myths?

Dowth is part of the Brú na Bóinne complex, which is strongly linked to Irish mythology. The god Dagda is said to have built Brú na Bóinne for himself and his sons. There’s also a story about Elcmar’s shepherd, Boadan (also called Dubad), whose grave is believed to be at Dowth.

What important historical events happened at Dowth?

Dowth has gone through a lot. Vikings raided it in 862 CE, looking for treasure. Later, in 1847, a big explosion, possibly linked to the Great Famine, damaged the site. Despite this, some of its underground passages are still there.

What special things can you see at Dowth?

Dowth has some unique features, like the ‘Stone of the Seven Suns’, which is a carved stone. It also has two underground passages that you can enter, though you need permission. These features help us learn more about the ancient people who built Dowth.

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