Souterrain

The National Monuments Service's description

According to local information, tradition of underground chambers c. 50m W of church (CO083-05502-) in Kilmurry. No visible surface trace. Second possible souterrain (CO083-055004-) c. 50m to SE.

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 3: Mid Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

This souterrain has now been located during test excavation (March 2022). A small hole appeared in one trench. This gave a partial view of one earth-cut chamber, partially filled with soil. It was less then 2m in height and c3m across. It was not possible to see its full extent to the southwest. A small creepway could be seen exiting to the northwest. C.10m to the west a linear feature was noted and interpreted as a back-filled drain. Its fill consisted of field stones and plough soil. Included was a pivot stone showing evidence of having been used more recently.

In September 2022, a survey was carried out by a drain inspection company using a remote controlled camera set up on a wheeled vehicle with a torch. It could only travel as far as the second chamber which was flooded. The camera footage showed that earlier testing had broken through into the southern side of one chamber c.4m in diameter and c.1.5m high. A creepway was followed to the northwest for c.2m where a drop led into a second, flooded chamber. Immediately opposite, ie. to the northwest, a second possible creepway could be seen. This was full of loose fieldstones which possibly been thrown in after the souterrain was exposed previously, probably during work on the local road. The Poulanaragid road must be passing overhead at this point. The footage also shows a possible niche c.1m from the first, ie at the north point.
In the first chamber a section of drystone walling can be seen to the southwest. This could be a possible construction shaft.

Compiled by: Tony Miller

Date of upload/revision: 23 November 2022