What is recorded here
Kelly's Cave is a man-made underground passage in County Mayo, Ireland, cut into Carboniferous limestone and marked by two rectangular chambers, a roof skylight, carved benches, and four steps descending to an underground stream. It may have begun as a prehistoric refuge, become a medieval hermitage linked to Cong Abbey, or simply been the hiding place of Kelly, a fugitive or highwayman depending on which local story you trust. The cave is short enough to walk through in a minute yet deep enough to keep several centuries of human desperation, prayer, and invention alive in its dark walls.
In interior of ringfort (MA110-042001-). Inaccessible at time of survey.
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. 523.
Date of upload: 28 October 2013
The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.
- What survives
- Recorded monument
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