What is recorded here

Hidden high in a precipitous limestone cliff above a cashel in Magheraghanrush, the cave offered an impregnable refuge where a handful could defy a crowd. Its long chamber and branching side passage still hold charcoal, animal bones and a small bronze buckle, proving that people lived, cooked and resisted there before artificial forts existed. The cave has since vanished from modern sight, leaving only memory and a warning that strength can be forgotten.

The source of this record is contained in account by Seaton F. Milligan of a number of ringforts in the county (1879). Having described the cashel (SL015-059001-) he states: ‘A little above the cashel high up in the precipitous limestone cliff there is a cave, almost concealed from view, which has unmistakable indications of having been a dwelling-place of primitive man. It is situated in an almost impregnable position that a few could defend against a multitude, and as such was a natural stronghold of a type in use ages before the days of artificial forts. The principal cave is 55 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 9 to 10 feet high; about its centre a second cave branches off to the right for a distance of 25 feet. Outside the entrance is the midden where the ancient occupiers pitched their refuse, and also, apparently, cooked their food. We dug here through a layer of charcoal, and also found a quantity of bones of various animals, and turned up a small bronze buckle as well.’ (ibid., 579-80). It has not proved possible to locate this cave (SL015-102001-) or midden (SL015-102002-). Compiled by: Paul Walsh Date of upload: 28 April 2014

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