Souterrain

The National Monuments Service's description

Nine souterrains have been recorded in excavation at the Knowth passage tomb complex. They are associated with the early medieval open settlement (ME019-030060-) and are placed largely on the sides and summit of the great mound. This is souterrain No. 1 which is located inside the kerb of Tomb 1C West. It is contemporary with medieval house 2 and was entered from its NE corner. From the house the passage extends N (L 7.2m; Wth c. 0.6m; H 1.2m) with 15 lintels in place. As a later modification a drystone-built passage extended E from its N end to connect with the surviving orthostats of the W tomb. Later again, the souterrain was connected to medieval house 3 N of the entrance to the tomb and direct access to the tomb was provided by an additional passage to the W. After the demise of medieval house 2 the S end of the souterrain was extended by a passage. This ran W, on the inner side of the old N wall of the house as far as its NW angle and then turned SE to the centre of the old floor. (Eogan 2012, 87, 97-101)

True location: ITM (699574m 773438)

Compiled by: Michael Moore

Date of upload: 06 November 2013
Amended: 17 September 2020

See the attached illustrations:
_1 Early medieval features, from Knowth 5, Fig. 4:1
_2 Plan of souterrain, from Knowth 5, Fig. 4:8
_3 Plan of souterrain, from Knowth 5, Fig. 4:10

References

Eogan, G. 2012 Excavations at Knowth 5: the archaeology of Knowth in the first and second millennia AD. Dublin. Royal Irish Academy.