Souterrain in Cullenagh Upper

In 1986 a souterrain, not marked on the OS maps, was discovered in the course of agricultural work on the crest of a low rise overlooking the low-lying land N of Macgillycuddy's Reeks. The accessible section consists of a small chamber and an adjoining creepway. Access to it is gained through an opening in the chamber caused by the removal of one of its roofing slabs. The chamber is roughly pear-shaped in plan, measuring 2.1m E-W x 1.6m N-S and 1.4m high. Its walls are constructed of horizontally laid slabs and some rubble, and are corbelled in their upper courses. Two broad lintels roof the chamber, and a recess, .45m x .35m x .25m deep, is located above the entrance to the creepway. The latter runs to NE for just 1.35m, due to collapse. Its sides are constructed of upright slabs and it is roofed by flat lintels; it averages .5m in width and .35m in height. The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 869. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 July 2013