This habitation site (Structure B), located to the W of Tomb 1 and beneath Tomb 8, is part of Eogan's Phase 2 Later 'Western' Neolithic Complex (Eogan and Roche 1997, 6) which is dated to c. 3600-3500 cal. BC with the aid of Bayesian analysis (Eogan and Cleary 2017, 39-40). The excavated remains consisted of a subrectangular area (ext. dims 12.3m N-S; 10.1m E-W; int. dims 10.7m N-S; 9.1m E-W) defined by a continuous trench with a possible entrance gap (Wth c. 1m) at the NE corner. The trench was re-dug (L 8.4m; Wth 0.8-1.5m; max. D 0.97m) at W where it was filled with occupation debris and 11 post-holes were recorded in its base. An area of ash with a spread of burnt earth is probably a hearth close to the centre and a small area of paving (dims 2.4m x 1.7m) and some pits are also in the interior. About 45 vessels of Later Western Neolithic pottery have been recovered from this area and the enclosure (ME019-030021-) (Eogan and Roche 1997, 43-6). (Eogan 1984 211-19)
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Meath' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1987). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 10 July 2007
Amended: 16 September 2020
See the attached plans:
_1 Cemetery plan from Knowth 6, Fig. 2:1
_2 House plan from Knowth 1, Fig. 75
Description Source: Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage