[ 161 ] 
XYI. 
SOME AI^CIENT MONUMENTS, SCHEDULED UNDER 
SIR JOHN LUBBOCK'S ACT, 1882. By T. N. DEANE. 
(With Plate IX.) 
[Eead May 10, 1886.] 
Rath of Dowth. 
The accompanying plans and sections of this structure (PI. IX.) illus- 
i;rate the result of excavations which have lately been carried out. 
Erom time immemorial the existence of the cruciform chambers 
vas known, ^s well as the small chambers towards the south, com- 
monly called the King's Tomb. The entrance to these is by a passage 
'17 feet long, formed by eighteen upright stones, and covered with 
iilabs of great size. The central chamber is octagonal, 8 feet between 
Ihe sides ; the chambers right and left are 6 feet long, formed by five 
[tones each. The chamber forming the head of the cross is also formed 
!'f five stones, and is 5 feet 3 inches from end to end. 
The King's Tomb is 9 feet 9 inches by 3 feet 6 inches, beyond 
vhich is a second chamber, 4 feet by 3 feet 6 inches, and to the north 
i»f it two smaller chambers. On the floor of the central chamber is 
.he hollowed slab, so frequently found in similar structures : nearly 
111 the lining stones of the central chamber are covered with devices, 
he character of which I shall refer to hereafter. 
The form of the rath is circular, about 300 feet in diameter, by 
i,n average of 45 feet high. 
The entire is surrounded by stones of great size, set on edge. 
iJertain indications of further subterranean passages gave the clue to 
he excavations which have been carried out, and resulted in the 
iliscovery of some new portions. Commencing at the northern side 
if the known entrance to the central chamber, an opening was made 
v^hich led to a passage terminated at either end by circular cells 
larefuUy roofed with corbelling stones. In this passage were found a 
[uantity of bones, mostly horses and lower animals, but none human. 
The passage had an incline towards the south. On emerging from 
t at the point where it met the entrance to the originally known 
■hamber a flight of steps was discovered. I have no doubt that these 
chambers were approached only by this passage, and that the entrance 
ised for many years was made for investigation of the contents of the 
ientral portion. 
