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Kelly's Cave

Coordinates: 53°32′40″N 9°16′45″W / 53.544443°N 9.279192°W / 53.544443; -9.279192
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Kelly's Cave
Uaimh Uí Cheallaigh
Map showing the location of Kelly's Cave
Map showing the location of Kelly's Cave
LocationNymphsfield, Cong, County Mayo
OSI/OSNI gridM 152 557
Coordinates53°32′40″N 9°16′45″W / 53.544443°N 9.279192°W / 53.544443; -9.279192
Length16 m (52 ft)
Discoveryprehistoric
GeologyCarboniferous Limestone
Entrances1

Kelly's Cave is a limestone solutional cave and National Monument in County Mayo, Ireland.

Location

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Kelly's Cave lies in woodland 500 m (1,600 ft) northeast of Cong.

History

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English antiquarian Wilfrid James Hemp suggested the cave may have had prehistoric use, comparing it to ancient caves in Sardinia.[1]

It has been suggested that the cave may have been extended and modified in the middle ages for use as a hermitage related to Cong Abbey.[2]

This cave is supposed to have taken its name from a fugitive named Kelly who took refuge there following the 1798 Rebellion.[citation needed]

Another local tradition claims that Kelly was a man who, along with his family, was forced to live there during the Penal era (17th–18th century). Kelly became a highwayman to survive.[citation needed]

Description

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The cave is about 16 m (52 ft) long and consists of two rectangular chambers and a hole in the roof which acts as a skylight. Four steps lead down to an underground stream, and benches have been carved into the walls.[3][4]

References

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  1. ^ "Geology" (PDF). Mayolibrary.ie. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  2. ^ Dowd, Marion (31 January 2015). The Archaeology of Caves in Ireland. Oxbow Books. ISBN 9781782978138 – via Google Books.
  3. ^ "Kelly's Cave". Lakedistrictheritage.ie. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  4. ^ Wilde, William R. (1 January 1872). Lough Corrib, Its Shores and Islands: with Notices of Lough Mask. Lulu.com. ISBN 9781291406757 – via Google Books.