Enclosure

The National Monuments Service's description

This enclosure (KE009-092-) is situated E of possible lead mines and Pierce's Island (KE009-027001-). Although not documented or marked on any edition of the OS maps, it shows up quite clearly on aerial photographs. An earthen ridge runs across the W sector of the neck of this promontory, c 22.5m long, 2.4m wide at the base and .35m high. NE of this ridge is a sub-circular depression, 2m x 3.95m, which has been completely filled with stones. According to local tradition it was once a long shaft. Immediately NE is a sub-rectangular structure, 7.4m N-S and 4.4m E-W. The enclosing stone bank rises to .2m high. The enclosed headland is c 22m N-S and 36.3m E-W.
Situated c 90m E of the above sub-rectangular enclosure is a blowhole called Poultarrif (Poll an Tairbh - hole of the bull) (OSNB, 264) (KE009-093----). It is subcircular, being about 23m N-S and c 14.6m E-W. Running down the side of this blowhole are drill runs, and they are evident all around the side. Quite possibly this was also a lead mine, which was worked until the natural work of the blowhole made the mine collapse; it may be connected to the next site.

The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 1111. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload: 3 August 2013