Ovens

In pasture, on SW-facing slope, 40m NE of coastal promontory fort (CO151-019001-). Low rectangular mound (5.3m E-W; 3m N-S), stone-edged at N, E and S; to W, sunken cruciform passage (L 3.1m; Wth 2.8m; D 0.78m), stone-faced. Formerly covered by earthen mound, removed by T. Boyle Somerville in 1930s. Depicted as small open rectangular structure, named 'Spanish Ovens' on OS 6-inch map (1842), and as two small square blocks, indicating a structure, on OS 6-inch map (1902). Date or function not evident from remains. According to Coleman (1922, 68), ovens used by Spanish c. 1600. Westropp (1914-16, 100-1) was of the opinion that the ovens was 'a small hut with two oblong rooms' used by the Spanish, but part of a pre-existing settlement. 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