Souterrain in Foilatrisnig

Univallate rath KE036-059---- is situated on a level terrace on a generally steep E facing slope overlooking Gleann na nGealt. The interior of the enclosure is divided into 2 unequal portions by a field fence. The hut site KE036-059001- and souterrain KE036-059002- lie in the larger S portion. Access to the souterrain is gained via an opening in the roof at the ENE end of a passage aligned ENE-WSW. The passage is approximately 13m long and lintelled openings at the WSW ends of its N and S walls lead to further passages or chambers at right angles to the main passage. Apart from 3 short sections where the walls are entirely of drystone construction, the main passage is defined by upright slabs, averaging .5m in height, overlain by drystone walling. This latter is slightly corbelled, and occasionally the uppermost course projects markedly to support the roof slabs. The passage is a maximum of 1.2m wide and 1.2m high and is divided into 2 sections by a short creepway or 'doorway'. The E section is 4.7m long, the W portion 5.35m long. On its N side the creep is marked by a slight inward curve of the passage wall, but to S a jamb stone, rising the full height of the creepway, projects .2m into the passage. The single lintel which spans the feature is set .3m below the general level of the passage roof and the aperture measures .6m in height, .5m in width and c. 0.3m in length. A lintelled entrance near the WSW end of the N wall has been almost completely blocked by soil, probably introduced by a badger. A passage appears to run N from this. A creepway opening off the WSW end of the opposite wall leads to a further passage and possible chamber. Heavy machinery has recently passed through the ringfort above this and probably caused the partial collapse of the roof which rendered this section too dangerous for accurate planning. The lintelled creepway is defined on either side by a single upright slab and measures .35m in width and at least .4m in height. The passage extends 1.5m to SSE and measures .5m in height and .4m in width. At the SSE end it angles to SE and increases in width, possibly to form a chamber, but this section is choked by collapse; it is c. 2.5m long and c. 0.6m high. It seems probable that the souterrain opened into the hut above, but there is now no visible trace of the entrance. The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 426. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 7 August 2013