What the Ordnance Survey’s third edition 6-inch map once marked simply as ‘The Cave’ is actually a souterrain; an underground passage that speaks to Ireland’s medieval past. Though now sealed from public access, this subterranean structure remains an intriguing archaeological feature of the area.

Souterrains like the one at Kinnacally are found throughout Ireland, particularly in counties with strong early medieval activity. These underground chambers and passages, typically dating from the early Christian period through to the 12th century, served multiple purposes for the communities that built them. Some archaeologists believe they functioned as storage spaces for food and valuables, taking advantage of the cool, consistent temperatures underground to preserve perishable goods. Others suggest they may have served as temporary refuges during raids, though their effectiveness as hiding places remains debated amongst scholars.

The closure of the Kinnacally souterrain reflects a common challenge in Irish archaeology; balancing preservation with accessibility. Many of these ancient structures have been sealed to prevent deterioration from weather exposure and to ensure public safety, as centuries of earth movement can make them structurally unstable. While we can no longer physically explore this particular souterrain, its presence adds another layer to Donegal’s rich archaeological tapestry, recorded and preserved through surveys like the comprehensive Archaeological Survey of County Donegal conducted in 1983.