Souterrain in Rossnakilla

In marshy area, in natural mound; discovered in 1979, investigated by Rose Cleary and Michael Galvin, Kilmurry. Five earth-cut chambers in linear plan (long axis N-S); gradient falls from chamber 1-5, though most marked between 4 and 5. Chamber 1: circular in plan (diam. 2m; H 1m), partially infilled with collapsed material; construction shaft to SW; creephole at S end to 2nd chamber. Chamber 2: oval-shaped (L 3.6m; Wth 2m; H 1m); NE end of roof collapsed; construction shaft to W; creephole at SSW end to 3rd chamber, rock threshold spanning creephole. Chamber 3: sub-triangular (L4m; Wth 2.35m; H 1.3m); construction shaft at N end; ventilation shaft to SW; creepway at S end to chamber 4. Chamber 4: long and narrow (L 4.5m; Wth1.6m; H 1m); narrow band of rock protrudes from floor at N end; construction shaft in E wall; creepway (L 1m) from S end ran in SSW direction to fifth chamber. Chamber 5: long and narrow (L 5m; Wth 1m; H1.4m); construction shaft at N end; ventilation shaft on E side filled with stones; fragments of bone, charcoal and burnt clay recovered from floor. Both rock 'threshold' in creepway and band of rock in chamber 4 had grooves cut in them, probably to facilitate drainage. The investigator did not find evidence of the original entrance and assumes that it was in chamber 1 or 2 where much collapse had occurred. Site infilled after investigation. No visible surface trace. 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