Souterrain in An Baile Breac

In rough pasture on lower W slopes of Brandon mountain. The remains of 2 or 3 huts and a souterrain (KE034-063001-) located within a roughly circular enclosure (KE034-063004-), Under the floor of hut KE034-063003-, and extending under its S wall, is a souterrain consisting of a short N-S passage, with a semi-circular chamber opening off its S end, at right angles to the line of the passage. Both sections are constructed of drystone masonry and are roofed by a series of slabs. Access is gained by the removal of one of the slabs roofing the passage, but the original entrance was at the N end of the passage where it is now obscured by fill. The passage is 2.6m long, .8m wide and 1.15m high. The entrance to the chamber is formed by 2 jamb stones which project .15m out from the side walls. These are overlain by 2 lintels which are separated from each other by a gap of 6 to 10cm. A similar entrance can be seen in a souterrain at Kilcooly (KE033-016004-). A low sill stone forms a step down into the chamber about .2m beyond the entrance. The chamber, now waterlogged, is c. 3.5m long, 1.7m wide and 1.6m high. Its N wall is nearly straight, but its S wall is curved. An air-vent extends W for over 2m from the W end of the chamber, just below roof level. A rectangular whetstone was found on the floor of the passage (P. Healy 1979, unpublished report). The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 1096. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 5 August 2013