Dowth Passage Tomb

Historical landmark · Meath

Dowth Passage Tomb

Historical landmark · Meath

Dowth, Co. Meath, Ireland

Highlights

Explore this ancient passage tomb, dating back to 2500 BC, where history melds with a stunning Irish landscape, inviting you to wander freely.

Dowth, Co. Meath, Ireland Get directions

archaeology.ie

@atlasobscura

"Newgrange is one of a number of ancient tombs in the Boyne Valley in the Irish county of Meath, north of Dublin. Built circa 3200 B.C., during the Neolithic era, it far predates Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza. A passage tomb, Newgrange was built with astronomical alignment. On the morning of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, the central chamber is briefly illuminated by the rising sun’s rays coming through the passage. The surrounding area of this and other tombs is open to the public, and entry to the tomb is done with guided tours. On the morning of the Winter Solstice, there is a lottery to determine who can go and watch the event. The annual ticket lottery in 2007 had over 28,000 applications." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

39 Places That Will Warp Your Perspective of Time

View Postcard for Dowth Passage Tomb

@atlasobscura

30 of the World's Most Spectacular Spirals

View Postcard for Dowth Passage Tomb

robert o'connor

Google

Quite unassuming passage tomb but in good condition. Amazing how something ~5,000 yrs old is just part of the wider Irish landscape ! Good signage on the roads around and the tomb itself is about 80m walk from the road. Unfortunately not wheelchair accessible as one has to use steps over the boundary wall.

Damião O’Deoraín

Google

I love this place it's free to enter but not the easiest to get into as you need to cross some gates but so worth it. Fantastic view from the top of the monument and be amazed by the history of this area. Make sure to cross the field and have a look at Netterville Manor which was once an almshouse and mother and baby home. Visit the adjoining grave yard and ancient church .

Valarie Winkleman

Google

Not sure if we entered on the wrong side but Google navigated us to this exact spot and every other area seemed closed off. Per Google, I thought it was open to the public but this seemed blocked off even though the sign was right behind the corner here. Came on Sunday afternoon. It was stormy, so we didn’t take much more time to figure it out.

Zg Aga

Google

One of three ancient monuments with Newgrange and Knowth, this one is free to visit and walk around, whilst you are here it's worth visiting nearby John Boyle O'Reilly monument and old Netterville Institute visible from Dowth. When you are on top of the Monument you can see the Newgrange.

Justine R

Google

This place was overgrown and felt slightly neglected.. and yet it still held some energy. And unlike the nearby Newgrange and Knowth passage tombs, this one is completely open to the public and free to wander around. You can’t go inside but it’s still a great spot to stop. Do watch out for the sheep poo though 😂💩

Anne Muller

Google

Loved this peaceful visit. We were there 45 minutes on a Sunday and were the only people! We stood on top enjoying the view while the kids ran the fields and explored. It was wild and beautiful and peaceful.

Robyn Reeves

Google

Remains of 5000 year old passage tomb, which unfortunately has been degraded by quarrying of dome stones, and is currently covered with vegetation, including trees. While two passages have been opened they are not accessible. However it is still an interesting wander and some of the massive base stones are visible.

Tim Smith

Google

Ruins of a passage grave. This is the only one of three passage tombs in the are that is accessible by car. The other two require bus rides to visit. This one is a ruin whereas the other two are preserved. This is worth the quick visit and walk around to admire the countryside and think about the ancient people that built these massive graves.