Souterrain

The National Monuments Service's description

In 1894 this souterrain was uncovered during farmwork at a depth of c. 0.9m below surface ‘at a place called Carrabeg’, in terrain described as ‘an oasis in surrounding bog.’ The structure was described as follows: ‘an oblong chamber … about 14 feet long [4.25m] by 6 feet wide [1.8m], and 7 [2m] from floor to roof. Its sides are formed of large stones laid over each other without mortar or cement, and the roof is composed of large flat stones reaching from one side to the other of the chamber, which narrows somewhat to the roof. From the east of this chamber a narrow passage runs, but only a few feet of it are at present exposed. On the floor of the chamber were found two human skulls, which almost immediately crumbled away; also in a recess immediately under the roof, three human teeth which also crumbled to dust. There was also found what was described as a spear-head, which was unfortunately destroyed.’ (Anon. 1894, 390). The exact location in the townland was not recorded.

Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 23 November 2022

References

Anon. 1894 Miscellanea: Sepulchral chamber near Ballyhaunis. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 4, 390.