Knowth Timber Circle
Timber Circle or Woodhenge at Knowth World Heritage Site
Between 2800BC and 2500BC a timber circle or woodhenge was constructed near the eastern
passage entrance at Knowth, the timber circle has been re-created using the 33 prehistoric
post holes. This period is known as the Grooved Ware period from a particular type of
pottery vessel which had a flat bottom and straight sides. Grooved pottery was found
near the timber circle. Votive offerings were also found in and around the Timber Circle
suggesting that it was used for ritual purposes, possibly after the Great Mound had fallen into disuse.
The Great Mound at Knowth
The Great Mound was built over 5000 years ago, probably after the construction of
Newgrange and before the construction
of
Dowth. The Great Mound at Knowth is similar in size to Newgrange
and is surrounded by 18 smaller satellite mounds.
The Great Mound has two passages with entrances on opposite sides, the western passage is 34 metres long and the
eastern passage is 40 metre long, ending with a cruciform chamber.
The
eastern passage of the Great Mound at Knowth measures 40 metres,
making it the longest megalithic passage in Western Europe. At the end of the
passage is a cruciform chamber with a corbelled roof similar in style to
Newgrange.
Boyne Valley Private Day Tour
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Visit Newgrange World Heritage site, explore the Hill of Slane, where Saint Patrick famously lit the Paschal fire.
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