Man-made underground passage in Currahaly

Discovered May 1867, on summit of hill and investigated by R.R. Brash (1866-9, 72-4). Four irregularly shaped rock-cut chambers. Chamber 1: (L 4.57; Wth 1.39; H 1.21m; long axis NW-SE) entered at SE end by circular passage; creepway at NW end to chamber 2: (L 2.74m; Wth 1.36m; H 1.52m; long axis NW-SE). Recess in N side of chamber 2 blocked with earth and stones at rear; creepway at N corner to chamber 3: (Wth 1.21m; H 1.21m; long axis NW-SE). NW end of chamber 3 narrows into creepway to chamber 4:(L c. 5m; Wth 1.21m; H 0.45m) curving SE->NW; recess in NE side and vent in ceiling running obliquely to surface; NW end terminates as narrow passage. McCarthy (1977, 211) suggests that the two recesses are 'perhaps locations of construction pits'. A human skull in an advanced stage of decompositon found within had disintegrated prior to inspection by Brash; other finds were animal bones, horse teeth, charcoal, clinkers of burnt limestone and a hard vitrified material. Exact location not known. (McCarthy 1977, 211-2). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 3: Mid Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009