Man-made underground passage in Baile Na Bhfionnúrach

Cathair Fionnúrach (KE034-041----) is one of a series of cashels and isolated clochauns which occupy the lowermost, W slopes of Brandon mountain. It overlooks the level plain drained by the Feohanagh river but the outlook from the site extends W as far as the Blasket islands. A recess at the base of the ENE wall of the smaller hut (KE034-041006-) formerly provided access to a Man-made underground passage which is now blocked. The OPW drawing shows a passage extending 9 feet (2.7m) from this opening towards the centre of the hut. Three steps then descend to a large chamber running at right angles to the passage. This is 20 feet (6m) long, 5 feet (1.5m) wide and 10 feet (3m) high. According to Curran (no. 12), the walls were of drystone construction and inclined inwards towards the flagged roof. The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 547. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 7 August 2013