Four Knocks

Four Knocks is a neolithic passage tomb built about 5000 years ago. It is located 10 miles southeast of Newgrange between Ardcath in County Meath and the Naul in County Dublin. The name Fourknocks may be from the Irish Fuair Cnocs meaning Cold Hills.

These passage graves are decorated with abstract art and bear the earliest depiction of a (possible) human face found in prehistoric art in Ireland. Three earthen mounds were excavated by the National Museum in 1950-1952. One covered a passage grave to crucification plan, with decorated uprights and lintels resembling the Newgrance designs but also links with megalithic art in north west Wales.

The contents of this tomb were intact and so the results were of immense importance and value to students of the megalithic period in Ireland and the world. The contents found were of great importance with fragmentary human remains representing dozens of bodies of all ages and sexes. These were accompanied by grave offerings (stone beads and miniature hammer pendants, bone pins etc.) in the three side chambers.

For more information on the archaeological excavations click here.

Access

The key for the entrance door to Fourknocks Passage Tomb can be obtained from the White family (phone: +353 (0) 1 8354722) before 6pm, who lives over a mile from the Tomb . Directions are signposted from Fourknocks  (see map below).

The keyholder house (Eircode A42 FN40) is found west of the tomb - turn left at the Y-junction with the white and green house then keep going straight up the narrow track where the main road turns to the left. The Whites' house is some distance up here - the 5th on the right.

A cash deposit must be given which is refundable on the safe return of the key. The key should be returned before 6pm.

The entrance is via a stone stile, there is no access for wheelchairs.

For more information on this site phone Brúna Bóinne Tourist office +353 (0)41 988 0305