The Megalithic Art of the Passage Tombs at Knowth, Co. Meath

Description of Kerbstone 15

The dominant motif here is a semi-circle of twenty (one partial) picked lines radiating out from a small cupmark/dot. The radial lines widen outwards and all, except for two towards the left, terminate in a small rectangle. There are three extra rectangles towards the right. A larger square/rectangular motif is picked beyond each of the small rectangles, followed by another small rectangle. A second small cupmark is picked above the first. This is enclosed within a large oval motif, which is picked all over and is partially enclosed in an oval outer line which is doubled at the right.

At the upper-left of the oval there is a row of U-motifs, or possibly a small serpentiform, and a dot-and-circle. Beyond these, at the left of the stone, a row of circles curves outside the ends of the radial lines and two curved lines enclose the circles, to the left. To the right of the main face there is a large anti-clockwise spiral of seven turns. A number of motifs are arranged around the right side of the spiral. There are three small circles and an oval above it, and a series of single and double U-motifs to its right and below it. Further right is a small spiral with a series of zigzags above it, and a small, irregular circle above to the right. Below the spiral there are eight circles, one with a central dot.

Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk. View or Download at Digital Repository of Ireland.

Knowth Kerbstone 15 illuminated for the spectacular opening sequence of the RTÉ TV 'Shine Your Light' winter solstice special which was broadcast on the 20th December 2020. Projection mapping by Algorithm, photo by Ken Williams.

Boyne Valley Private Day Tour

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and culture of the Boyne Valley with our full-day private tours. Visit Newgrange World Heritage site, explore the Hill of Slane, where Saint Patrick famously lit the Paschal fire. Discover the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of power for the High Kings of Ireland. Book Now