Souterrain in Ballynabortagh

In pasture, at the top of a N-facing slope. This souterrain, which consists of two chambers, was discovered in 2005 when the ground collapsed during silage cutting. The resulting opening (0.65m x 0.6m) allowed access to the SW corner of the S chamber (3.4m N-S; 2.2m E-W; H 1.5m) which was earth-cut and rectangular in plan. The roof of this chamber is 0.65m below present ground level. Its SW end is filled with collapsed earth and a displaced roof lintel. The roof is constructed of large overlapping flagstones resting on two large lintels and supported by four pillar stones. The NE and SW pillars bear ogham inscriptions (CO052-061002-, CO052-061003-). A creepway (min. L 1.25m) in the centre of the E wall may lead to the original entrance but it is blocked with earth. There is a wide recess (L 1.25m) at the S end of the W wall; its function is unclear. A narrow creepway in the N wall gives access to the N chamber. This roughly oval chamber (1.6m N-S; 2.1m E-W; H 1.2m) is also earth-cut. Another souterrain (CO052-039004-) lies c. 210m to the SSW and in the 1940s a possible souterrain (CO052-038----) was recorded c. 230m to the WSW. (McCarthy 2005) The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 5' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). See linked document with plan and photographs of the monuments. Date of upload: 20 September 2011