Knowth - Cnóbha Neolithic Passage Tomb

The Neolithic passage grave of Knowth (Irish: Cnóbha) is part of the World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne. There is a large mound and 18 smaller tombs. The largest mound, which is 40 feet (12 metres) high and 220 feet (67 metres) in diameter, has within it two separate passage tombs. One has an entrance facing approximately east and the other facing approximately west. It is encircled by 127 kerbstones. 

The eastern tomb has a long passage that leads into a beehive shaped, corbelled roof chamber with three side recesses in which a basin stone held the remains of the dead. The western tomb has a narrow passage which bends to the right and leads to a rectangular shaped chamber which is separated from the passage by a sill stone. The chamber is approximately 2m in height and roofed with a large 2m long stone. The large mound is estimated to date from between 2500 and 2000 BC.

Over 200 decorated stones were found during excavations with spirals, lozenges and concentric circle designs as well as a variety of other images. Much later, during the early medieval period, the mound became a heavily defended site with ditches built at the base and close to the top.  Between the eight and twelfth centuries, there was a significant village settlement on and around the mound. 

Location: The  World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne is located 8.4km west of the town of Drogheda (Irish: Droichead Átha). This, along with close-by Newgrange is a truly remarkable site to visit and an experience not to be missed. Visitor access to Knowth is by guided tour from the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site Visitor Centre and details of opening times are available from their website.