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

Description of Kerbstone 38

Most of the carving was lightly picked with a rounded point. There are two very finely picked small circles at the lower-left. To their right there are two lightly picked zigzags separated by a horizontal line and surrounded by a polygon. Above this is a short spiral of two turns. At the right of the stone, two sets of zigzags are arranged to form lozenges, and three small arcs/circle motifs.

An anti-clockwise double spiral motif is much more deeply picked than the other carvings, and although it does not directly overlap the more lightly picked motifs, it seems likely that it may have been done at a later date than them. It is similar to the deeply carved central spiral on Kerbstone 34. Some dispersed pickmarks occur on the face.

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


Knowth is a Stone Age Passage Tomb in the Boyne Valley in Ireland's Ancient East and together with Newgrange and Dowth are the principal sites of Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site. Knowth is the largest passage tomb of the Brú na Bóinne complex. The main mound is about 12 metres (40 ft) high and 67 metres (220 ft) in diameter covering about 1 hectare (2.5 acres). It contains two passages placed along an east-west line and was originally encircled by 127 kerbstones of which 124 are still in place.

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