Man-made underground passage in Knockane (muskerry West By.)

In rough grazing, on N-facing slope. Discovered in 1957 when tractor caused collapse; investigated by M.J. O'Kelly and E.M Fahy, UCC. Four oval-shaped earth-cut chambers with barrel-vaulted ceilings. Collapse in roof of chamber 2 (L 2.9m; Wth 1.4m; H 1.02m; long axis E-W); creepways in SE and NE corners to chambers 1 and 3 respectively; short recessed stone wall in Eside. Chamber 1: (L 3m; Wth 1.7m; H 1.8m; long axis E-W) has blocked creepway in N wall and blocked shaft to surface at E end. Chamber 3: (L2.5m; Wth 1.5m; H 1.02m; long axis SW-NE) has short stone wall at S corner and creepway at NE end to chamber 4: (L 2.6m; Wth 2m; H 1.2m; long axis N-S). Long passage from S end of E wall of chamber 4 not explored due to collapse. Investigators suggest single construction pit, located behind stone walls in chambers 2 and 3 and behind blocked creepway in chamber 1. No visible surface trace. (McCarthy 1977, 276-7). 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