Knockroe two passages on the southern side. The western passage is aligned to the winter solstice sunset, with the sun illuminating carved neolithic symbols on the side walls and backstone. There are a range of patterns include spirals, comb-like striations , concentric circles, curviliear designs and cup marks (on Orthostat R4 - along the right side of the passage).
The eastern passage has a cruciform chamber with a sill stone towards the front of the passage and is aligned to the winter solstice sunrise. The mound is surrounded by large kerbstones, the original quartz is visible around the site.
Muiris O Suilleabhain with members of South Kilkenny and Gaultier Historical Societies.
backstone of west facing passage
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backstone of west facing passage
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2011-12-21 16-22-32
light from setting sun falling across floor of passage and carving still visible on carved backstone of end wall
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2011-12-21 16-29-32
angle of sun's decline suggests that final shaft of light may fall along side wall and touch spirals on back wall - through the small grooved aperture to the left of the entrance
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2011-12-21 16-30-14
last chance to line up a possible final line of light
before climbing out to watch the light on back wall of passage
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Rose Stone - west facing passage
2011-12-21 16-46-03
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Sunset Obscured by hazy cloud - 21-12-2011 16:51:47 |
2011-12-21 17-07-54 |
2011-12-21 17-12-16 |
knockroe solstice 2011-12-21 17-09-29
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solstice ceremony 2011-12-21 17-25-50
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Spiral and concentric ring patterns on sides of passage
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east passage faces rising sun at winter solstice
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Rose coloured stone covered in markings,
the informative talk by Professor O'Suilleabhain provided a fascinating insight into the site and excavation
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Size of back of west facing passage in relation to visitors
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