The Wonders of Fourknocks 18th May 2024

Explore the rich archaeology, history, location and mythology of the wonderful Neolithic monument of Fourknocks

Cost:

€8.00 – €38.00 per person

Duration:

1h 15min

About this experience

The 5,000-year-old megalithic passage-tomb of Fourknocks, Co. Meath, is just nine miles (14.7km) as the crow flies from Newgrange. Yet this small counterpart of the great Brú na Bóinne monuments is much less well known than Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, even though it was probably built by the same people.


Explore the monument of Fourknocks – including a close-up look at the beautiful megalithic art in its interior chamber – and hear Anthony Murphy discuss the monument's setting, the other monuments in the area, its relationship with Brú na Bóinne and the identification of the Fourknocks complex in old mythological tracts. Anthony will also discuss the possible astronomical implications of the Fourknocks chamber, and its alignment with several other monuments.


Fourknocks was excavated in 1950. What secrets were revealed during that excavation, and what do we know about the engineering skills of the Neolithic farmer builders?


Take a trip back through 5,000 years of history and visit the interior of one of Ireland's oldest buildings.


Date: Saturday 18th May 2024


Time: 2pm.


Where: Fourknocks passage-tomb, Co. Meath. (Click here to see location on Google Maps)


Instructions: Park at the side of the road opposite the steps at the entrance to Fourknocks. Please park your car as close to the hedge as possible and watch for traffic. Don't leave valuables in your car while it is unattended. 

Your Host

Host image

Anthony Murphy has been leading tours of the monuments and landscapes of Ireland's Ancient East for the past 17 years. He gives regular public tours as well as leading private groups through the Boyne Valley landscape. He is the author of nine books about the myths and monuments of Ireland's eastern region. He has appeared on National Geographic, Discovery Science, The History Channel, Channel 4, BBC and RTÉ as an expert on the mythology, archaeology and history of the area. He is currently writing a book about Fourknocks.