Souterrain in Kilnagurteen

On sloping ground, immediately to the W of Macroom. This souterrain was discovered in 2001 following the collapse of the roof of a chamber during the construction of a housing development. It consists of six roughly oval earth-cut chambers with flat floors and domed roofs. The three most easterly chambers (chambers 4, 5 and 6) are located slightly to the S of the three most westerly chambers. Access to the souterrain was gained through the collapsed section of the roof of chamber 3 that was 1.4m below present ground level. Chamber 1 (L 5.6m; Wth 1.7-3m; H 1.4m) is the largest of the six chambers. There are two blocked-up construction shafts in the N side. Two long parallel creepways in the E side lead to chamber 2. Chamber 2 (L 4.2m; Wth 1.5m; H 1.3m) is the narrowest chamber and has a blocked-up construction shaft in its N end. A creepway in its E side leads into chamber 3. Chamber 3 (L 3.3m; Wth 1.25m; max. H 1.2m) is the shortest chamber and has a blocked-up construction shaft in its N end. A creepway in the S end of the E side gives access to chamber 4. Chamber 4 (L 4.11m; Wth 2.06m; H 1.4m) has a blocked-up construction shaft in its S end. A creepway in the E side of chamber 4 gives access to Chamber 5. Chamber 5 (L 4.45m; Wth 1.1-2.1m; H 1.8m) has a blocked-up construction shaft in its SE end. A creepway in the E side of chamber 5 gives access to chamber 6. Chamber 6 (L 4.62m; Wth 2.2m; H 1.8m) has a blocked-up construction shaft in its S side. Following investigation, the collapsed opening was sealed with cast in situ reinforced concrete slabs. (McCarthy 2001) The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 5' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). Date of upload: 22 December 2009