Drumlohan

Located 3.5km north of  the village of Stradbally, this is one of Waterford’s most interesting sites.

Known locally as the "Ogham Cave", it was discovered by a farmer in 1867. Ten Ogham stones  were found built into the walls and roof of a souterrain measuring 3.5 m long, 1.5m wide and 1.2 meters in height.

In 1936 five of the stones were erected each side of the now exposed souterrain with just three remaining as roof stones. It is thought that the stones were pilleged from local cemeteries for the construction of the souterrain which could have been used for storage or defence from invasion around 800-900AD.

The site, which is enclosed by a wooden fence, is located out in the middle of a field normally used for cattle grazing.

Ogham inscriptions

Inside the 'Ogham Cave'

The ten oghamised stones used in the construction of the souterrain have been read as follows;

MANU MAGUNO GATI MOCOI MACORBO

CALUNOVIC[A] MAQI MUCOI LIT[ENI]

MAQI INI[...MAQI QE]TTEAS

CUNALEGEA MAQIC[....]SALAR CELI AVIQVECI

BIGU MAQI LAG[...]

BIR MAQI MUCOI ROTTIS

...] MAQI NE[TACUN]AS

DENAVEC[A MU]COI MEDALO

BRO[INION]AS

SOVALINI DEAGOS MAQI MUCO[I..NAI

Directions: Travel on the N25 south from Waterford City.

After the exit for Kilmacthomas take the next left exit which is signposted for Stradbally. Go straight through the first crossroads which is at 1.5km. A further 2km on there is a farm track on the right which leads up to a cottage and yard. Do not park on this private property which is a working farm. Continue on passed farm entrance to a forest entrance on the right and follow the path up through forest . You would be advised to get permission from the land owner.

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