Ovens Caves

Located c. 4km W of Ballincollig; entrance on S side of limestone quarry. Investigated by Caulfield (1866, 295) who found bones of wolf, boar and 'some human remains' embedded in stalactite floor of passage. In main chamber, at a depth of one foot under the surface, he found 'bones mixed with charcoal and lime deposits'; above these, at ground level, was square mound of stones (H c. 1.2m), resting on a flagstone (ibid.). Surveyed by Coleman (1940, 47-52), who recorded '670 yards' of passages, including one known as the Mass Rock chamber where, according to tradition, Mass was celebrated 'during the Penal days'; portion of antler and one vertebra of red deer found. Trial excavation by Coleman (1944, 58-9) did not uncover any evidence for human habitation and 'all the recovered bone material represented a recent fauna (Twohig 1975, 109). 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

Ovens Caves, Carrigane are formed in Carboniferous limestone, typical of the Muskerry region, with passages and chambers developed through water erosion over millennia. Human remains and animal bones found in the cave suggest it was used as a burial or shelter site in prehistoric times.