Knowth is a Neolithic passage grave built over 5,000 years ago, probably after the construction of Newgrange and before the construction of Dowth. The largest mound (known as Site 1) is similar in size to Newgrange, surrounded by 17 smaller satellite mounds, is encircled by 127 kerbstones, and has two long passages with entrances on opposite sides.
The passages are independent of each other (they do not meet), and each lead to a burial chamber. The eastern passage leads to a cruciform chamber, not unlike that at Newgrange. It is the longest megalithic passage in Western Europe. At the end of the passage is a cruciform chamber with a corbelled roof similar to Newgrange. The western passage ends in an undifferentiated chamber.
Knowth contains more than a third of the total number of examples of megalithic art in all Western Europe. There is a wide variety of motifs found at Knowth, from spirals, lozenges, and serpentiform to crescent shapes.
About Knowth (Cnobha)
Journey to Knowth (Cnobha)
Knowth is in County Meath, Ireland near the village of near Slane and the River Boyne between Navan (to the west) and Drogheda (to the east) off the N2. Access to Knowth is by guided tour only. There is no direct access. All tours begin at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, which is 1-1/2 miles west of Donore Village.
Knowth is a Neolithic passage grave built over 5,000 years ago, probably after the construction of Newgrange and before the construction of Dowth. The largest mound (known as Site 1) is similar in size to Newgrange, surrounded by 17 smaller satellite mounds, is encircled by 127 kerbstones, and has two long passages with entrances on opposite sides.
The passages are independent of each other (they do not meet), and each lead to a burial chamber. The eastern passage leads to a cruciform chamber, not unlike that at Newgrange. It is the longest megalithic passage in Western Europe. At the end of the passage is a cruciform chamber with a corbelled roof similar to Newgrange. The western passage ends in an undifferentiated chamber.
Knowth contains more than a third of the total number of examples of megalithic art in all Western Europe. There is a wide variety of motifs found at Knowth, from spirals, lozenges, and serpentiform to crescent shapes.
About Knowth (Cnobha)