The Scots endured a disastrous first half in which they allowed the dominant Irish to build a 17-0 lead through tries from Calvin Nash and captain Caelan Doris while also losing three of their most influential backs: Duhan van der Merwe to a yellow card, and both talismanic co-captain Finn Russell and wing Darcy Graham to head injuries.
Scotland had failed to enter the Irish 22 in the opening half hour and Ireland tightened their grip on the match in the 32nd minute when captain Doris pushed his way over on the left after being fed by Jamison Gibson-Park following a purposeful carry from Prendergast.
Supreme Ireland continue hunt for Six Nations history as Scotland found wanting again Scotland 18-32 Ireland: An 11th consecutive victory in this fixture saw the visitors seize control of the championship at Murrayfield.
Scotland's task got even bigger in the 14th minute when their record try-scorer Van der Merwe was yellow carded for foul play after shoving Nash as he chased a bouncing ball in front of the try-line.
Scotland finally came to life in the closing five minutes of the half and managed to get themselves off the mark in the last action before the interval as Van der Merwe produced an outstanding finish on the left after a McDowall offload.
