Dowth 2.18

Dowth is a Neolithic passage tomb located in the Boyne Valley, County Meath, Ireland that dates from about 2,500 – 2000 BC. It is the second oldest behind Newgrange of the three principal tombs of the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site – a complex of passage-tombs. It is less developed as a tourist attraction than its neighbours, partly because the chamber is much lower, and partly because the decoration is poorer. It was partly excavated in 1847, though it was pillaged by Vikings and earlier looters long before that.
The cairn or tumulus is about 85 metres in diameter and 15 metres high, and surrounded by large kerbstones, some of which are decorated. Quartz was found fallen outside the kerbing, suggesting that the entrance to this tomb was surrounding by glittering white, as at Newgrange. Three stone-lined passages lead into the mound from the west.
The long passage is crossed by 3 sill-stones and ends in a cruciform chamber with a lintelled roof. Several of the orthostats of the passage and chamber are decorated with spirals, chevrons, lozenges and rayed circles. On the floor stands a single stone basin — somewhat the worse for wear after 5,000 years.