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Finnis Souterrain, an important and unique archaeological site located in Finnis, south of Dromara, County Down, has officially reopened to the public following over a year of extensive repairs and improvements carried out by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
Access into the souterrain was restricted for more than 12 months to facilitate essential upgrades. The work was completed in September last year and the site was then closed to the public during the winter months. Funded by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency through the Environment Fund, these improvements included the replacement of the entrance steps, the installation of new lighting and sensors, the addition of solar panels, the construction of stockproof fencing along the entrance path, the placement of new information panels at the entrance gate and the erection of a wooden sign to guide visitors from the main road. The site will remain open from April to the end of September and the improvements made will make it better for visitors to explore this souterrain and learn about its fascinating history.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, “Exploration of the Finnis Souterrain offers a special experience for visitors, as these structures are often not accessible to the public or buried and forgotten with time. The upgrades mark an important moment in the preservation and public engagement with Northern Ireland's archaeological heritage. Visitors can now once again explore this fascinating historical site, which offers a rare glimpse into the life of the Early Christian period.”
Dating back to the Early Christian period (6th to 10th century AD), souterrains are relatively common but their dark, confined nature often makes them unsuitable for public access. Therefore, Finnis Souterrian, known locally as Binder’s Cove, gives a unique opportunity for people to visit one of these hidden places.
The site at Finnis is a well-preserved underground granite structure featuring three passages. The main passage runs approximately 29 meters from east to west and features large stones near the base, giving way to smaller stones as the passage narrows inward. Two smaller side passages extend from the central corridor, each measuring around 6 meters long and having low lintels at the entrance. The passages vary in height, with some areas requiring visitors to bend or crouch to navigate through them.
They were likely built as places of refuge during a time of civil unrest, with the threat of Viking raids and inter-tribal conflict. While their precise purpose remains debated, it is widely believed they were used both as places of refuge and for storage on a day-to-day basis.
The site has a long history of discovery. It has been known for at least 200 years and was first cleared and surveyed by archaeologists in 1977-1978, although formal excavation did not take place at that time. In 2003, with the support of Banbridge District Council, funding from Environment and Heritage Services Built and Natural Heritage, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, and assistance from the Mourne Heritage Trust, the site was officially opened to the public for the first time.
Visitors can now explore this captivating historical site once more, gaining a rare insight into life during the Early Christian period. Check in advance if the site is open by emailing: visitorservices@nmandd.org or contact Visitor Services and Attractions on +44 (0) 330 137 4046. For more information: www.visitmournemountains.co.uk
