While
Knowth is the most decorated of the three Brú na Bóinne
passage mounds, Newgrange does contain a large amount of decoration.
Some of this, as discovered during excavations by Michael O'Kelly
in the 1960s and 70s, was located at the rear of kerbstones,
hence it was not visible and lay hidden for five millennia until
the excavations programme. Inside the passage and chamber of
Newgrange, there are some well decorated stones. The photographs
here show selected examples of decorated stones in the chamber,
including the world-famous triple-spiral on the right-hand chamberstone
in the rear recess, and the ceiling stone of the eastern recess.
For an interpretation of megalithic art, see this
page.
The
famous triple spiral on C10 in the end recess. Archaeologists
call it the "three-spiral stone".
A
close-up of the so-called "triple spiral". There
are many theories as to its meaning.
The
wonderfully decorated ceiling stone in the east recess,
one of the glories of Newgrange.
A
spiral on the stone C3 at the rear of the west recess in
Newgrange.
Diamonds
or lozenges on a lintel above the passage.
The
corbelled ceiling of the chamber at Newgrange.
The
larger of the two spirals on C3 in the west recess.
A
view of the spirals on stone C3 in the west recess of the
chamber.
The
famous 'ship plans' stone. See this
page for drawing.
Inside
Newgrange: More about the megalithic art inside Newgrange. Art
on the outside: A gallery of images from Newgrange. Knowth
kerbstones: a comprehensive photographic collection of Knowth's
megalithic art. Meaning of the
art: Is there an astronomical meaning to the Stone Age carvings? Dowth's kerbstones: a selection
of photos of the megalithic art on the stones at Dowth.
Photos of the megalithic art inside Newgrange 
