Souterrain

The National Monuments Service's description

Situated in the E sector of a ringfort (CL056-044001-). The area is heavily overgrown with brambles. On inspection in 2003 the opening (Wth 0.55m; int. H 0.75m) to the souterrain was accessible on the outer slope of the bank at S. A stretch of walling (L 1.4m) extended from the entrance at E. The opening was roofed by one large lintel and led to a stone-built oval-shaped chamber (2.4m x 1.9m; H 0.9-1.15m) roofed by three large lintels. A small creep (Wth 0.38m; H 0.45m; D 1m) in the NE wall of the chamber was roofed by two large flags. The flag to the NE lay on recent clay fill. The creep led to a roofless passage (L 2.2m NE-SW; Wth 1.65m; D 1.2-1.4m) with no evident stonework remaining. Immediately to the NE another creep formed a baulk (Wth 1.1m) leading to another roofless chamber (L 1.6m; Wth 1.2m; D 1-1.2m). Some digging NW of this chamber was apparent. According to Murphy (1996, 33-6) the souterrain was first discovered in 1818 and in 1867 was examined at the instigation of Markus Keane. It was also described by Westropp (1909, 116-18) who gives the main orientation as ENE-WSW and the overall length as 36ft (10.97m). At that time the roofs had already been robbed out and the chambers were overgrown.

This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 7/1978).

Compiled by: Mary Tunney

Date of upload: 9 April 2019

References

Murphy, I. 1996 'Sheedy's Fort', Kilkee. North Munster Antiquarian Journal 37, 33-6.

Westropp, T.J. 1909 Ringforts in the barony of Moyarta, County Clare, and their legends. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 39, 113-126.