Man-made underground passage

In NE quadrant of ringfort (CO027-03001-; Lisleagh II). Excavation (Monk 1995, 111-2) revealed W end of Man-made underground passage chamber (min 1.2m N-S (W end); min 2.9m E-W; max D 1.85m; long axis E-W). North and S walls stone-built and slightly corbelled; W wall earth-cut; extends beyond limit of excavation to E. Chamber, entered via earth-cut steps at W end, widens towards E (projected Wth at E end 1.6m); beyond deepest point, floor begins to slope upwards close to E limits of excavation. Roofing slabs not found; excavator suggested 'layer of burnt material towards the base of the chamber could represent the burnt structural remains of [timber] roof' (ibid.). Chamber completely backfilled after abandonment during occupation of ringfort; fills comprised heavily charred material and burnt stone. Attempt made to recut Man-made underground passage after it had been backfilled. Man-made underground passage cuts through trench of earlier circular house. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009