Souterrain

The National Monuments Service's description

Within the N sector of a rath (GA122-079----). This well-preserved drystone-built souterrain (L >19m) consists of two separate chambers that appear to have been originally connected by a now partially blocked creep. Access to the 1st chamber (L 7.4m; Wth 2m max.; H 1.2m), which runs NE-SW, is gained via a breach in the roof. A creep (Wth 0.9m; H 0.45m) midway along its W wall extends W for a distance of 2m and is then blocked by rubble. It probably accessed chamber 2 which lies c. 3.9m to the W. An area of collapse separates both chambers at ground level. A small alcove is also visible towards the S end of the W wall of chamber 1. An opening, now blocked, in its S end suggests that it was the original entrance to the souterrain. The 2nd chamber (L 7.8m; Wth 1.9m max.; H 1.85m), which runs E-W, is accessed via a breach in the roof at its E end. Rubble extends into the chamber to the W of the breach for a distance of 3m but beyond it, it is possible to stand upright. The collapse to the E of the breach suggests that the chamber continued further to the E towards the creep.

Compiled by: Galway Archaeological Survey, UCG

Date of upload: 12 December 2017