Go to the Main Scottish Cave and Mine Database Search Page

Aonan an Eòrna [1]

Islay, Aonan an Eòrna, Argyllshire.

Cave, archaeological test pitted, contains deposits and constructions. [Islay Caves Project]

- - -

This site was recorded during the 2002 fieldwork season of the Islay Caves Project

NR 3708 7690 Cave; contains deposits and constructions.

NR 3708 7690 Cave/shelter; contains deposits.

[Trove,scot]

Alternative Names: Port Domhnaill Cruinn [1]

Notes: Although named by The Islay Cave Project as Port Domhnaill Cruinn [1] this is actually in the wider bay below Aonan an Eòrna (about 200 m NE of Port Domhnaill Cruinn). It is unlikely Port Domhnaill Cruinn [1] and [2] are as close as indicated by their given coordinates (need to check original survey data or on site). Aonan an Eòrna is a wide bay to the NE of Port Domhnaill Cruinn separated from it by a rocky knoll.

Eòrna certainly translates as Barley. There are many references to this, so some evidence of cultivation is expected. Aonan is more difficult. The most common literal translation is 'one' which makes no sense in this context. 'One's Barley' is possible but not helpful. Some sources imply Aonan is a transliteration error for Aoinidh meaning steep rocky slope.

I have tried to disambiguate the references to caves [1] and [2] here, but there is no guarantee that the cave at these coordinates is the particular cave referred to by the Islay Cave Project (although their original coordinates [NR 37080 76900] are included. Same coordinates given for cave Port Domhnaill Cruinn [2].

Hydrographic Feeds: None

Hydrographic Resurgences: None