Souterrain

The National Monuments Service's description

Within the interior of a cashel (CL008-012----). Described by Westropp (1905, 357) as a souterrain defined by a linear passage, ‘63 feet [19.2m] long’, that was in various states of repair. A gap at its N end accessed the passage to the N and S, this section was ‘15 feet [4.5m]’ in length. The mid-section, a further ‘21 feet’ (6.4m), had collapsed and was defined by ‘a deep, grassy trench’. Beyond a lintel at its S end, the passage was intact again ‘for 27 feet’ (8.2m) and ended at a ‘cross-wall’ that was ‘24 feet [7.3m] from the south segment of the [cashel] wall’; it was said that ‘several small lateral chambers’ extended off this section. The ruined N end was due to an attempt to remove badgers that had established themselves within the ‘dark and covered way’ (ibid.). On inspection in July 1998, no visible surface trace of the souterrain was visible.

Compiled by: Olive Alcock

Date of upload: 22 August 2022

References

Westropp, T. J. 1905 Prehistoric remains (Forts and Dolmens) along the borders of Burren, in the county of Clare. Part 2 - west Corcomroe. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, vol. 35, 342-61.