Knowth is a megalithic passage tomb located in the Boyne Valley. The great mound is about 10 meters (33 feet) high and 95 meters (312 feet) across at its widest point, covering about 0.6 hectares (1.5 acres). It 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.
Knowth Kerbstone K38.
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.
Knowth Kerbstone K89.
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.
Knowth Kerbstone K91.
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.
Knowth Kerbstone K92.
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.
Knowth Kerbstone K93.
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.
Knowth Kerbstone K94.
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.
Ideal for a first visit to the Boyne Valley, this private tour explores the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of Brú na Bóinne. Visit Newgrange and Knowth with the official site guides, then discover places associated with Ireland's ancient kings, mythology, and Saint Patrick. The day also includes the Hill of Slane and the Hill of Tara.
Price €675 for up to six guests, plus booking fees.
I hired Michael Fox for two tours while visiting Ireland. He was outstanding. His knowledge of the area was remarkable and he went out of his way to make sure we saw everything we wanted to see. Read the full TripAdvisor review