Prehistoric Ireland (3) - Fourknocks: a different style of chamber tomb

Fourknocks is another passage tomb, but much less touristy, and somewhat different in style. It has a very short passage and comparatively a much larger chamber. The three alcoves make it technically still 'cruciform' but they are small and shallow in comparison to the chamber itself. It is thought that there was originally a central pole and a wooden roof, all long gone of course (Newgrange and Knowth have corbelled stone roofs). It is approximately 5000 years old, contemporary with Knowth.

For safety and conservation there is now a concrete floor, and a concrete roof to protect the stone from weathering. Light enters mainly from the passage and also from small light wells in the roof. Torches and camera flashguns were essential.


View of the chamber showing the alcove that faces the passage entrance:

There is incised artwork on a number of stones topping the walls; this one is lit from the right  - sunlight enters from the passage:

Side alcove:

Two views of the decorated lintel stone over the alcove facing the passage:

Circles and spirals on top of the walls:

A helping hand with a torch gives angled light to show up shallow incisions. This is thought to be a semi-abstract image of a face - representation of human faces are extremely rare at this time:

Wild flowers from outside the tomb, clearly recently placed . . . as an offering? by whom?