Knowth Passage Tomb Kerbstones

The kerbstones at Knowth are large stones that encircle the base of the mound, many of the kerbstones are decorated with a variety of intricate carvings, creating a visual record of the artistic and symbolic expressions of the neolithic people who constructed the mound.

The Knowth kerbstones are numbered 1 to 127. Click on the thumbnails below to view a larger image of any of the kerbstones. There is a map of the kerbstones at the bottom of the page. (Note: Kerbstones 20, 37 and 62 are missing today.)

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

Excavations at Knowth Volume 7: The Megalithic Art of the Passage Tombs at Knowth, Co. Meath

The complex of passage tombs at Knowth is dated c. 3200-2900 BC, and this volume deals with one of the most significant aspects of the site. It presents a complete catalogue of the 390 recorded carved stones at Knowth, through descriptions, drawings and photographs.

Six main styles of art have been identified and these are discussed, together with the motifs and techniques employed. The Knowth carvings constitute c. 46% of all such art in Ireland, and the volume sets the Knowth art in the context of the other Irish carvings, those in western and northern Britain, and also the somewhat earlier art found on megalithic tombs in Atlantic Europe.

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