Rothar Routes

I was fortunate last weekend to finally cycle across beautiful South Kilkenny and in particular to ‘find’ Knockroe Passage Grave. A mysterious site, older than Newgrange, Knowth, Stonehenge and the Pyramids! When you first see it it looks just like a mound of stones but closer examination reveals it’s true significance.

It is a link with pagan times which is still used for pagan worship.

The Passage Tomb is aligned with a large mound on top of Tipperary’s Slievenamon and on the winter solstice of 21st December the rays of the setting sun pass along the passage to illuminate a tall red sandstone portal.

There are countless Celtic symbols carved into the stones and you can see some of them in the accompanying photographs.

Located in the Liguan Valley, Knockroe Passage Grave Tomb is one of the most important heritage sites in the country and You cannot but be affected by a visit to it.

Great information available on Knockroe in John Keane’s ‘Hidden Kilkenny’. Also in Donal Cadogan’s ‘About Kilkenny’ and Neil Jackman’s ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’.

Seek it out!