Souterrain

There were three souterrains discovered during the excavation, one is restored for visitors to inspect.

The souterrain was used as a cellar or the equivalent of our modern fridge. It was used for storing dairy produce and meat. It may also have been used as a place of refuge during time of attack or cattle raid. Souterrain is an archaeological term, the French word meaning underground. The souterrain, that is restored in Lios-na-gCon, travels in a semi-circle, with 3 earth-cut chambers. It twists and turns with difference in width and height, acting as a good defensive mechanism to slow down any intruder.

An air-vent was found in the souterrain, in the centre of the structure. This was to keep food dry, or maybe to prevent the occupants of the souterrain from being smoked out in an attack.

The children of the ringfort, had the responsibility of the care of the souterrain. Being small in size, they could move at ease from chamber to chamber. If a forced entrance was attempted, children with spear or knife could protect the food supplies with in. Most souterrains also had an exit somewhere concealed within the fort.