Souterrain in Bawnlahan (carbery West (e.d.) By., Castlehaven Par.)

On level ground, on a break in a W-facing slope, overlooking Tragumna Bay. This souterrain was discovered in 2001 when a number of roof lintels were displaced during topsoil removal. An opening (c. 2.4m E-W; 1.7m N-S) gave access to an irregular chamber (2.6m NNW-SSE; 2.2m NNE-SSW; H 1.25m), mostly earth-cut but partially rock-cut on its E side. The chamber was roofed with lintels but only one (L 1.6m; Wth 0.65m) of these, which is cracked, remains in situ at the SSE side of the chamber. A second lintel (L 1.1m; Wth 0.4m; T 0.15m) lies on top of fallen earth on the floor of the chamber. A third stone (L 1.35m; Wth 0.55m; T 0.2m), at the NNW end of chamber, is raised slightly above the chamber floor and rests on a number of thin courses of stones. It appears to be in situ but may not have been a lintel. Also at the NNW end of the chamber, 0.5m behind the former stone and largely blocked by it is an opening roofed by a large lintel (L 1.5m). This opening is at a much lower level than the roof of the chamber and extends back for at least 0.85m, where fill is visible suggesting a previous collapse. At the SSE side of the chamber, where the lintel remains in situ, are two creepways. The first earth-cut creepway (Wth 0.4m) at SE leads into a passage which appears to be blocked by fill from a previous collapse. Access to this creepway is partially blocked by fallen earth. There is a possible second creepway at S, but earth from the walling of the chamber has collapsed and blocked it. A third creepway (Wth 0.4m; H c. 0.5m) exists at the W side of the chamber, leading into a linear earth-cut passage (L 2.8m; Wth 0.8m; H 0.89m) with gently sloping sides and a rounded top. The passage slopes down gently. After 2.8m, the passage (H 0.7m) continues for a further 2m and is roofed by four large lintels. The lintels are supported on the S side by the earth-cut wall and on the N side by stone walling with the most easterly lintel supported at its NE corner by one upright stone. This upright stone sits on a ledge of uncut earth and is separated from the lintel overhead by two pad-stones. Beyond the upright support-stone, the floor of the passage rises sharply forming a scarp and then slopes more gradually upwards to meet the roof of the passage. This may be the remains of the original entrance to the souterrain. At the S side of the passage, where the first lintel exists, is a creepway into a circular or oval rock-cut chamber. There is a drop down into this chamber and at the far end of the chamber is a creepway leading into another chamber. These chambers could not be inspected for safety reasons. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 5' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). Date of upload: 22 December 2009