Cave

In a rath (MA111-061001-). Indicated as ‘Cave’ on the 1930 OS 6-inch map, this Man-made underground passage is evidenced at ground level by three areas of surface subsidence on a roughly N−S alignment in the S half of the rath interior. The most northerly depression (c. 3m N−S; c. 2m E−W) is very shallow, with a small hole, possibly lintelled evident at its S end. A second surface depression (1.5m NNW−SSE; 1.1m ENE−WSW) is located 2.5m to S, and 2.4m S of that is a third roughly square shallow depression (1m N−S; 1m E−W; D 0.3m), which is 4.5m N of the S arc of the rath scarp. The total length of this row of subsidence is c. 11m N−S. At the SSE end of the second or middle area of subsidence there is an opening into a passage (Wth 1.4m) with drystone walls and lintel roofing. The passage extends to S for 6-7m, ending at S at a blank wall. The floor appears to slope down for a few meters from the opening, which is partly blocked by loose soil and stones, and then levels out, giving room to stand at the S end of the passage. According to the landowner, a low narrow opening, now blocked, at the S end of the W wall of the passage, leads to another passage. Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 17 February 2023