Souterrain in Rathmeel

Located in the W half a rath (MA030-041----), close to the inner face of the bank. The souterrain is indicated by two areas of surface collapse, the most northerly of which appears as a shallow depression (diam. c. 1.4m). Located 5m SSW of this depression, the collapse of roofing lintels has revealed a subterranean chamber (3.2m E-W; 3.8m N-S; H c. 2m) of dry-stone construction and oval in plan. The walls of medium-large, irregular-shaped stones and boulders are slightly corbelled to support large stone lintels, some of which remain in situ at the N end. There is a possible air vent, now filled with soil, in the wall at the SW. Heaps of collapsed stone and earth obscure the S end of the chamber. At the N end, two or possibly three rough steps lead down to a narrow passage (Wth 0.6m; H 0.95m), which extends for 3.5m to the NNE, opening into the S end of a second oval chamber (3m E-W; c. 1.8m N-S; H 1.8m) of similar construction. The floor of this chamber is strewn with stones. An opening (Wth 0.78m; H c. 0.5m) in the E wall reveals a narrow passage or shaft sloping steeply upwards, and largely filled with soil; this may have been the original entrance passage. Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 16 April 2018