Knowth Kerbstones

Knowth is a megalithic passage tomb located in the Boyne Valley. The great mound covers approximately 1 hectare (2.5 acres), contains two passages aligned on an east west axis, and was originally surrounded by 127 kerbstones.

The kerbstones at Knowth display some of the finest examples of Neolithic megalithic art in Europe. Originally the kerbstones were set around the base of the great mound, forming a continuous retaining wall that also marked a ceremonial boundary. Many of these kerbstones are richly carved with spirals, lozenges, chevrons, zigzags, and other abstract motifs created over 5,000 years ago. Together, they represent the largest concentration of megalithic art at any single site in Ireland.

Kerbstone K38 combines lightly picked motifs with a more deeply carved double spiral. The surface includes small circles, zigzags framed by a polygon, and lozenge forms made from paired zigzags, with the bold spiral standing out as the dominant element.

Kerbstone K89 is dominated by circular motifs. Across the surface are multiple sets of concentric circles, including gapped circles and arcs, with some areas weathered but the overall theme of repeated rings still clear.

Kerbstone K91 features a long serpent like line carved as a continuous winding form. The design runs across the stone in a sequence of bends, then turns down briefly along the right edge.

Kerbstone K92 is mostly weathered, with carving concentrated in the smoother upper right. The visible design includes a penannular circle with an outer arc and a couple of short picked lines nearby.

Kerbstone K93 is best known for its prominent serpent like motif running across the stone. Beneath it is a straight line that turns up at both ends, with arcs and circular motifs above and an additional spiral element to the right.

Kerbstone K94 has weathering along the top, but the remaining carvings show repeated concentric ovoid and circular motifs. Below the upper row are larger gapped ovoid designs, with smaller double gapped circles set between them in a balanced layout.