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.