214 



Proceedmgs of the Royal Irish Academy. 



come to an off-set passage at right angles 20 inches by 20 inches, and 

 5 feet long, leading to No. 2 chamber, also of beehive form, and 6 feet 

 high by 6 feet diameter at base. 



Passing this entrance, the main passage, dipping gradually, curves 

 away to the left, until for the last 20 feet or so of its length it runs 

 almost north and south. The total length of this passage is 46 feet. 

 The walls and roof are formed of large rough stones ; the floor is of 

 very hard clay with rocks frequently appearing, and in its entire 

 length it dips about 18 inches. 



No. 3 chamber, which is the largest, lies at the end of this passage. 

 It is 1^ feet high from floor to apex, and 10^ feet diameter at base. 

 The apex is closed by two large flags with other stones overlying 

 them. 



A sectional view of this chamber, and of the rath mound, and a 

 portion of the passage, is here given. 



CURTEE:N SOUTERRAIN C WEST-MEATH. 



Section cf Hfiih i^^twi Shawirtg target Chtunhtr d Porlum qf fttsso^c 



Dtp cf passage cn£ foot in 2a 



Concluding, I may add that to the south of this rath, and in 

 immediate proximity to it, there lie what appear to be the remains of 

 very ancient buildings, in fact, the place is covered with ruins, some 

 comparatively modern, but others, formed of cyclopean and deeply 

 laid stones, which probably mark prehistoric sites. 



In bringing the subject of this souterrain before the notice of the 

 Academy, I do not presume to offer any new suggestions as to the 

 age or origin of such structures. As we explore these remains of 

 prehistoric times we are groping in darkness, in more senses than one. 

 Can we hope ever to solve the enigmas they silently propound? 

 Personally I am inclined to the theory that the popular name by which 



