Cave

The National Monuments Service's description

In densely wooded karst. This cave is a as National Monument (No. 413) in state ownership. Twelve steps descend to sunken forecourt; sides supplemented by dry-stone walling, leading S to entrance. Entrance (H 1.7m; Wth 0.76m) gives access to chamber (L 15.3m N-S; H 3m - 4.5m; Wth 2.6m - 3.3m), in artifically enlarged cave. Two stone benches (L 7.5m and L 4m) set along E and W walls, respectively. Recess (D 1m) set in W wall, 1.8m above floor level, contains dry-stone table. Chamber lighted from overhead by triangular shaped opening. Floor carefully paved by narrow cobbles. At end of chamber four steps lead down to D-shaped well (L 1.5m; Wth 2m). Excavated by Bersu, who concluded (1948, unpublished draft excavation report) that the cave was a place of worship rather than of secular use and could date 'tentatively' to the twelfth to fourteenth century.

The above description has been derived from D. Lavelle (compiler), An Archaeological Survey of Ballinrobe and District including Lough Mask and Lough Carra. Lough Mask and Lough Carra Tourist Development Association (1994), No. 633.

Date of upload: 6 September 2013