Knockroe Passage Tomb

Knockroe Passage Tomb

Location: Knockroe, Co. Kilkenny

Classification: Passage Tomb

SMR Code: KK034-019001-

Rating:

Knockroe passage tomb, known locally as 'The Caiseal', dates to approximately 3,000BC. It is distinctive for its dual passages which align with both the sunrise and sunset at the winter solstice. The eastern passage has a cruciform chamber with a sill stone towards the front. There are some very large kerbstones on the southern side arcing around to the western passage which has a more simple design with several large graded orthostats on both sides of the entrance. An extensive assemblage of megalithic art consisting of more than thirty decorated stones can be found within the two chambers and the kerb.

Description

Knockroe passage tomb, known locally as 'The Caiseal', dates to approximately 3,000BC. It is distinctive for its dual passages which align with both the sunrise and sunset at the winter solstice. The eastern passage has a cruciform chamber with a sill stone towards the front. There are some very large kerbstones on the southern side arcing around to the western passage which has a more simple design with several large graded orthostats on both sides of the entrance. An extensive assemblage of megalithic art consisting of more than thirty decorated stones can be found within the two chambers and the kerb.

History

Archaeological excavation at Knockroe has revealed evidence for multiple burials of cremated human remains within the chambers. A wide range of artefacts, interpretable as grave goods, were found within the cremation deposits including pottery vessels, bone and antler pin fragments, bone bead fragments, pendants and spacer beads. Further archaeological investigation in the vicinity of the passage tomb has revealed cobbling and other indications of activity in the area during a later period, probably medieval times.

Accessibility Rating: Easy - Moderate

Accessibility

Accessibility Class: Easy - Moderate

Facilities

There are no facilities at this site.

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Sunrise/Sunset

Sunrise: 07:54

Sunset: 18:36

Directions

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Sunrise/Sunset

Sunrise: 07:54

Sunset: 18:36

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