Souterrain in Raheennamadra

In pasture in an area known locally as Óenach Clochar, 115m E of townland boundary with Mitchelstowndown North. Westropp (1917-19, 67) described the Óenach Clochar as an ancient Celtic landscape and likened it to Tara, Telltown and Brugh na Bóinne in Co. Meath, and nearby Knockainey Hill, Co. Limerick. Ringfort (LI041-013011-) excavated by Marten Stenberger in 1966 and the remains of a hut site (LI041-013019-), souterrain (LI041-013020-) and burials (LI041-013021-) were uncovered. Excavations by Stenberger (1966, 38) were undertaken in about four-fifths of the enclosure (LI041-013011-), and in addition, three sections were cut through the bank and the fosse to the west, east and south. Excavations in the centre of the interior revealed a possible round hut (LI041-013019-) with entrance at NW and a hearth (II) with a date of 1430±130 = A.D. 520. A souterrain was revealed in the S abutting the inside of the bank, orientated NNW-SSE (int. L. 9m, H. at S 1.6-1.8m; at N 0.5m). A hearth (III) was revealed during excavation in the S of the souterrain contained finds of a iron leather-scorer, animal bones and bone combs. Radiocarbon dates from postholes at the entrance of the souterrain dated to 1430±130 = AD 520 and 1260±120 = AD 690. Two skeletons (LI041-013021-) were revealed to the NE of the souterrain, orientated NNE-SSW, both had an iron knife blade to the right of the skulls'. Ringfort clearly visible on Digital Globe orthoimage taken between 2011-13 and on Google Earth orthoimages. See attached plan of ringfort and photographs of souterrain taken from Stenberger (1966), and Google Earth orthoimage Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 4 August 2021