Man-made underground passage in Cush

In reclaimed pasture overlooking Glennacroghery Stream 38m to SW. Enclosure (LI048-034003-) 40m to S. Man-made underground passage in SW quadrant of levelled earthwork (LI048-034002-) uncovered during field levelling works in 1995 and described by Celie O’Rahilly as follows; ‘The only trace of the enclosure (LI048-034002-) is a curving mound to the north-west. According to Mr Gubbins there was a dip to the south-west which he wished to level by infilling with a rise of c. 1m to the north-east. This may have been a ditch between an inner and outer bank, as shown on the O.S. sheet or it may have been a natural declivity, possible an old river/stream course. During the machine levelling, a flag was moved and the cavity below revealed. On arrival a single large captstone, now broken, was lying to one side and it was possible to enter the cavity. This consists of a rectangular stone built chamber aligned south-west/north-east. It measures 2.4m long, (at roof level), 1.3m wide by a visible height of 1.1m. There was, however, a large amount of spillage from the levelling activity as well as accumulation of earth over time. There were at least six courses of rounded stones in the side wall. There is a course of large flat stone acting as corbels on the top of the walls and these are covered with three large flat flags or slabs which form the roof of the chamber. The south-west end seems to be an end. To the south, at the end of the side wall there is a space, c. 0.3m high, between the two large stones (of the wall) and the corbel and this cavity extends southwards for at least 1m. The north-east end could extend further but the ramp of soil has covered the wall up. Some bone was removed from the area and as far as I can tell this was animal bone. To the north of the chamber on the levelled ground is an area of dark soil with charcoal flecks, more animal bone and burnt clay. The chamber does not appear to be a cist: given its construction and association with the enclosure it may be a Man-made underground passage.’ See attached photos taken by Celie O’Rahilly 15/08/1995 Compiled by: Fiona Rooney Date of upload: 7 September 2021