Souterrain in Cill Chúile

Situated on the NW slopes of Reenconnell, overlooking the level plain drained by the Feohanagh river, this site is known locally as a burial ground (KE033-016002-) and is reputed to be the church site (KE033-016001-) from which the townland derived its name. Souterrain (KE033-016004-): The entrance to a drystone-built souterrain, apparently Z-shaped in plan, lies on the E side of the dividing wall. A sloping ramp leads from the surface to the E end of a short passage which extends WSW for 1.52m. This passage is 1.02m high, 1.14m wide and is roofed by 3 slabs. A 2nd passage extends SSE from the W end of the 1st, the entrance being marked by a lintelled opening defined on each side by an upright slab which projects .2m out from the passage walls. The opening measures .67m in height x .42m in width, and the lintel lies .24m below the roof, the intervening space being left open. The 2nd passage is 3.29m long and 1.12 to 1.34m high and is roofed by 4 large slabs. At its S end it curves around to continue SW for 1.42m, at which point there is a 2nd lintelled doorway, similar to the 1st but now blocked. The opening here measures .55m in height and .34m in width. The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 846. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 8 August 2013