Knowth

Not far from Newgrange is Knowth, an archaeological site featuring a Neolithic corridor tomb. Located in the Boyne Valley, County Meath, this site is thought to be part of a group of corridor tombs known as “Brú na Bóinne”. Comprising a mound of over one hectare, and countless tombs, Knowth is said to be the largest tomb in the whole of Brú na Bóinne, and offers one of the richest heritages of Neolithic life…

History of Knowth

A Neolithic site

Knowth – © yggdrasill

The Knowth site is believed to have been built in the Neolithic period, and to have been used as a burial ground up to the Bronze Age.

At the end of this period, Knowth fell into disuse, and was forgotten. Over the centuries, the site has suffered a number of setbacks, with many of the mounds collapsing, blocking access to the 2 corridors.

A few tombs were dug here and there, but Knowth didn’t really take shape until the beginning of the Christian era, when it was officially inhabited and named “capital of the Northern Kingdom of Brega”. Ditches and secret underground passages were dug. Traces of Christian graffiti dating back to this period can still be found today.

At the time of the Norman Invasions, Knowth was converted into a motte castrale, then into a monastery. Until it was completely forgotten…

In 1941, Professor McAllister undertook a small-scale excavation of the site, followed by Georges Fogan in 1962, who launched a much more extensive dig, uncovering the full extent of the Knowth site. It was in 1967 that the entrance to the 2 corridors and the set of engravings were discovered.

Visit the Knowth website

Impressive tombs

Knowth is the largest tomb in the whole of Brú na Bóinne. It consists of a gigantic mound encircled by ashlars (127 of them), most of them decorated with spirals and engraved circles.

Inside, 2 independent corridors each lead to 2 separate chambers, one mainly decorated with engraved circles, the other with cavities for depositing the remains of the deceased.

Around the site, there are up to 40 cist tombs, mostly containing the bodies of women. Only one tomb in particular attracted the attention of archaeologists: a grave containing the bodies of 2 decapitated men, buried with a set of dice.

The tour must be accompanied by a guide who will explain all the intricacies of the site. Allow a good hour and a half for a tour of Knowth…