Souterrain in Gualainn

This souterrain consists of a single passage and chamber, roughly L-shaped in plan. Access is by means of a narrow aperture, .22m in maximum width, located at the S edge of a roadway which runs WNW-ESE above the chamber. This gap occurs between 2 roof slabs at the SE end of the passage which is aligned NW-SE. The passage measures at least 6m in length, 1.2m in width and 1.5m in maximum height. The SE end is blocked by collapse and the floor in the vicinity of the entrance is spread with soil and modern refuse intruded from above. The base of the side walls is constructed with upright slabs, averaging .7m in height, the remainder of the walls being of drystone construction. The upper 2 courses are slightly corbelled and 4 flat slabs roof the passage. 0.9m from the NW end of the NE wall is the entrance to the chamber. It consists of a porthole, .32m wide and .6m high, cut out of one of the upright slabs at ground level. The chamber is aligned NE-SW and measures 3.5m in length, 1m in width and 1.4m in height. It is roofed by 5 lintels, that adjacent to the entrance being positioned .4m lower than the others. The walls are constructed of upright slabs overlain by drystone masonry. The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 773. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 7 August 2013