Caves

One of four caves in limestone quarry-face. Excavation (Coleman 1942, 63-76) revealed one habitation layer from which all finds came. Iron and bronze objects and worked bone and stone dated to Early Christian period. Bird bones, fish shells, charcoal and bones of domesticated and wild animals were also recovered. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

Located in a limestone quarry-face, these caves formed through natural dissolution processes typical of karst landscapes. Archaeological excavation uncovered artifacts from the Early Christian period, including iron and bronze objects, worked bone, and stone, indicating intermittent human habitation or use.