Ovens Caves — Carrigane (muskerry East By.)

Located c. 4km W of Ballincollig; entrance on S side of limestone quarry. Investigated by Caulfield (1866, 295) who found bones of wolf, boar and 'some human remains' embedded in stalactite floor of passage. In main chamber, at a depth of one foot under the surface, he found 'bones mixed with charcoal and lime deposits'; above these, at ground level, was square mound of stones (H c. 1.2m), resting on a flagstone (ibid.). Surveyed by Coleman (1940, 47-52), who recorded '670 yards' of passages, including one known as the Mass Rock chamber where, according to tradition, Mass was celebrated 'during the Penal days'; portion of antler and one vertebra of red deer found. Trial excavation by Coleman (1944, 58-9) did not uncover any evidence for human habitation and 'all the recovered bone material represented a recent fauna (Twohig 1975, 109). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 3: Mid Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009