What is recorded here

An Clochán holds the largest known underground passage on the Dingle Peninsula, twisting beneath a broken ringfort above Ventry Harbour. Men pulling stones for a wall broke through into a slab-lined grave holding an iron box of coins, while earlier writers described sitting bones in the deeper chambers. The earth kept its dead and its treasure hidden from ordinary sight, waiting for a shovel to reveal what the slope had swallowed.

Situated on a SW facing slope overlooking Ventry Harbour, very poorly-preserved ringfort KE052-048---- contains the most extensive Man-made underground passage (KE052-048001-) recorded on the Dingle Peninsula, as well as 2 possible hut-sites. When stones were being drawn from the site by the present landowner's father, a small, slab-lined grave (KE052-048003-) was apparently uncovered, and discovered within this was an iron box containing coins. Deane (1893, 106) noted that a skull and other bones were found in both Man-made underground passage chambers (4) and (7), and it is probable that Champneys (1910, 9) was referring to the same remains when he mentioned the remains of 2 bodies found in a sitting position in a very elaborate Man-made underground passage near Ventry. The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 555. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 7 August 2013

A Neolithic passage tomb; its significance lies in containing the most extensive man-made underground passage recorded on the Dingle Peninsula, offering rare insight into early prehistoric burial and construction practices.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.