Man-made underground passage in Bellurgan (dundalk Lwr By; Castletown Par.)

Uncovered during construction work for a dwelling in 2001. On inspection Noel Ross (CLAJ 2000, 563-5) found a drystone built passage with lintelled roof and sufficient evidence to show that it was the same Man-made underground passage described by Edward Tipping in 1864 (JRSAI, 8 (1864-6), 183-4). Tipping noted that removal of a lintel revealed a passage 'about four feet high, and three wide, inclining downwards in a direction parallel to the slope of the bank. After twenty-three feet it turns at a right angle to the left, or towards the river; and, continuing thirteen feet six inches further, terminates, apparently built up square; but in the floor was seen a square hole, descending which, we find at a level about three feet lower, a continuation nineteen feet long, and in the same direction, which finally terminates in a circular space or chamber, both wider and higher than the passage leading to it.' Compiled by: Claire Breen Date of upload: 18 November 2011