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In coniferous plantation, on S-facing slope, W of Ballydehob-Bantry road. Complex of mine workings, discovered during 1846 mineral exploration; several subsequent phases of disturbance and infilling. Historical records indicate three types of mining within extant spoil spread of c. 780m²; none extant today. Nineteenth-century shaft-and-gallery system to c. 30m; 6-7 shallow open-cast workings of unknown age; complex of six parallel trench mines of uncertain date (L 7-55m; Wth 1-3m; D 3-13m). In 1846 there was removal of peat and mine sediment from two trench workings; discovery of notched oak-trunk ladder (L c. 6m), curved wooden "tube" (L 0.76m). Radiocarbon date (OxA - 1184) 820 +60 B.P. for tube confirms medieval activity in this mine. Prehistoric mining suggested by numerous stone mauls of Mt. Gabriel type; no secure context within this site. (O'Brien 1989, 1-15)
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009
This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 3/1970).
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