Souterrain

The National Monuments Service's description

Within the W sector of a multivallate rath (GA098-115----). This very well-preserved drystone-built souterrain (L 26.9m) consists of three chambers connected by two drop-hole creeps. Present access is at the ENE end of the 1st chamber (L 9m; Wth 1.9m; H 1.55m) which runs ENE-WSW. A drop-hole creep (L 1.9m; Wth 0.7m; H 0.5m) at the W end of the N side-wall leads into the 2nd chamber (L 7.3m; Wth 1.7m; H 1.7m) which runs NW-SE. At the N end of the W side-wall another drop-hole creep (L 2m; Wth 0.8m; H 0.7m) leads into the 3rd chamber (L 6.7m; Wth 1.6m; H 1.65m) running E-W. There is evidence of digging at the W end of this chamber and the S wall shows signs of interference. Each chamber widens towards the centre and has a curved end-wall; both creeps are partially blocked. (Knox and Redington 1916, 187-9; Knox 1918b, 76; Westropp 1919, 183; Ní Chinnéide 1978, 22)

Compiled by: Galway Archaeological Survey, UCG

Date of upload: 12 January 2018

References

Knox, H.T. 1918b The Masonbrook rings and mound and their relation to other similar works. Journal of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society 10, 71-96.

Knox, H.T. and Redington, M. 1915-16 Some rath-caves in and near the barony of Dunkellin. Journal of the Galway Archaeological and Historical Society 9, 178-90.

Westropp, T.J. 1919a Notes on several forts in Dunkellin and other parts of southern Co. Galway. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 49, 167-86.