What is recorded here

Beneath the Oldcourt ringfort in County Cork, four earth-cut chambers still hold their shape after centuries of darkness. A long narrow passage links the largest rooms, while two smaller chambers branch east like forgotten side chambers in a house no one lives in now. In the deepest room, a bronze-coated iron bell rests in a floor pit, waiting to be heard again.

Discovered during excavation in SW quadrant of ringfort (CO141-118001-) by O Cuileanáin (Murphy 1961, 79-92). Four earth-cut chambers: Chambers 1 and 4 connected by long passage (L 11.1m; Wth 0.6m; H 0.6m); chambers 2 and 3 lead off this at E side. Chamber 1: L 2.4m; Wth 1.52m; H 1.82m. Chamber 2: L 1.21m; Wth 1.51m; H 0.8m. Chamber 3: L 1.21m; Wth 1.52m; H 0.8m. Chamber 4: L 1.52m; Wth 0.9m; H 1.21m. Bronze-coated iron bell found in pit in floor chamber 4. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

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