Souterrain in Baile Ristín

Lisnacarheen/Lios na Ceártan: Situated on the lowermost, S facing slopes of Knockmoylemore, overlooking Trabeg, circular univallate rath KE043-200---- contains a souterrain, possible hut-sites and a substantial rectangular house which is probably secondary. The souterrain (KE043-200001-) has been extensively damaged. The present remains consist of an L-shaped passage which opens off the E side of a large excavation. The passage leads E for 1.3m then N for a further 5.3m. It is .46 to 1.3m wide and c 1.m high. The walls are constructed of upright slabs, c. 0.7m high, overlain by drystone walling, and the roof is closed by 8 flat slabs. The roof slab spanning the entrance to the longer passage is set .14m below the level of the remainder. An air-vent opens off the NE corner of the structure, about .75m above the floor. Traces of a 3rd passage are preserved in the recent excavation. It appears to have been aligned N-S, at right angles to the short section of the L-shaped passage. It was of drystone construction and was .65m wide, but its length is not known. Apparently the souterrain terminated with 'a small building with a fireplace in it' (OSNB Garfinny, 26), but this feature is not now evident. The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 344. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 6 August 2013