Souterrain

The National Monuments Service's description

In the N quadrant of a ringfort (TS081-038001-) c. 9m from the bank a small opening into the souterrain is exposed. The souterrain is described in OPW Correspondence file as follows, 'The entrance to the cave at the [top?] is about 6 feet [1.8m] with a perpendicular descent of about 6 feet [1.8m]. Further entrance is obtained by a narrow passage of built stones about 3 feet [0.9m] high by two feet [0.6m] wide, the passage itself being about 4 feet [1.2m] long. On passing through this passage you find yourself in an egg-shaped chamber of built stone about 8 feet [2.4m] by 6 feet [1.8m] wide and 5 feet [1.5m] high. The walls are of built stone without mortar inclining inward as they ascend, the top being covered with large flags. At the end of this chamber is a small passage similar to the entrance passage leading to a second chamber which is similar to the first mentioned chamber. A small passage also leads from the second chamber to a third chamber which is somewhat larger than the two previous chambers. Here the earth has fallen in and further progress is impeded' (W. Fitzgerald, Sgt. G.S., 21st August 1930).

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of upload: 08 January 2014