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The Great Mound at Knowth

Knowth Megalithic Passage Tomb

The Great Mound at Knowth was constructed over 5,000 years ago during the Neolithic period, around 3200 BC. It belongs to the same general phase of monument building as Newgrange and Dowth, forming part of a carefully planned ceremonial landscape in the Boyne Valley. Similar in overall scale to Newgrange, the mound dominates the surrounding ridge and remains one of the most impressive prehistoric monuments in Ireland.

The central mound is encircled by 18 smaller satellite tombs, creating a complex ritual landscape rather than a single isolated structure. Around its base stand 127 large kerbstones, many decorated with spirals, lozenges, arcs and other abstract carvings. These carvings form the largest concentration of megalithic art in Western Europe.

The Great Mound contains two long passages with entrances on opposite sides. The western passage extends approximately 34 metres, while the eastern passage runs for about 40 metres and terminates in a cruciform chamber with side recesses. This dual passage arrangement makes Knowth unique among the major passage tombs of the Boyne Valley.

Knowth Aerial View | The enclosure on top of the mound is a Medieval Grange