Cave

This is a limestone cave (Wth c. 4m; H 2m; L c. 15m) on rock outcrop at the top of an E and N-facing slope that was investigated by R.J. Ussher in 1879. Five strata in total were recognised. Animal remains including elk, deer, pig, cattle and sheep were recovered from the upper two layers in association with artefacts which are probably Neolithic in date. (Leith adams et al. 1876; Ussher et al. 1881; Anon. 1895; Ussher 1906; Coleman 1947, 67) Anon. (1895) Notes and queries - “Cave-hunting” WAJ 1, 192-3. Colman, J. C. (1947) Irish cave excavtion. JRSAI, 77, 63-77. P. (1895d) Notes and queries - “Cave-hunting” WAJ 1, 192-3. Ussher, R. J. (1881) The record of the caves. Waterford Literary and Scientific Association. Waterford. Ussher, R. J. (1906) Discoveries in Irish and other bone-caves, WAJ 9, 8-9. Ussher, R. J., Leith Adams, A. and Kinahan, G. H. (1881) Abstract of a report on the exploration of Ballynamintra cave, Cappagh, near Dungarvan, PRIA 16C, 73-8. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Waterford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload/revision: 21 October, 2011

A limestone cave formed through dissolution in Carboniferous limestone, with five distinct strata recorded during an 1879 investigation by R.J. Ussher; animal remains such as elk suggest Quaternary occupation or deposition.