Souterrain in Guhard South

Situated in a field which is known locally as Cúilín na Murda (little nook of the murders), this site is marked on the 1841-42 and 1914 OS maps as 'caves'. These 'caves' were accidentally discovered in August 1844 by Mr Paddy McNamara when quarrying for stone. They would appear to have contained at least three chambers and tunnels. One chamber was 1.8m long and 1.8m high and was beehive shaped. Heading out of this chamber was a tunnel which ran N for c 12m before it became inaccessible due to collapse. However, it was discovered that a short distance further N was another chamber which had the same measurements as the above. A lot of charcoal deposits were found. Lying to the W of this chamber was a third chamber of similar dimensions, containing large rocks on the floor. When the caves were discovered in 1844 there was great excitement in the locality and several people wanted to explore them. This resulted in a great tragedy. Initially four people penetrated too far into the caves and three people followed in an attempt to save them. All seven suffocated due to the foul air. Their bodies were retrieved a day later. The above description is derived from C. Toal, ‘North Kerry Archaeological Survey’. Dingle. Brandon in association with FAS Training and Employment Authority (1995), no. 1119. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 3 August 2013