Man-made underground passage in Ballinvally,killeigh,millbrook — Report the wrong picture

What is recorded here

Misidentification is likely. Local memory calls the passage a tunnel beneath the abbey, but the facts point to a hidden drain, mill race or flooding works tied to the Franciscan Friary. The real wonder is that an ordinary watercut became a secret passage because people wanted mystery.

Local tradition of a tunnel beneath the abbey (O. Davies 1942, ITA Survey) in the vicinity of the Franciscan Friary which may have been confused with either a silted up box drain or mill race associated with the friary or drainage works associated with the friary (Byrne 1979, 15). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.