Early Christian historical site reopens near Finnis

Early Christian historical site reopens near Finnis

16 April 2025

AN Early Christian historical site near Dromara has officially reopened to the public. 

Finnis Souterrain had restricted access for over a year due to extensive repairs and improvements being made by Newry, Mourne and Down Council. 

The work was completed last September, but the site was closed to the public during the winter months. 

The upgraded site will now remain open until the end of September.

Funded by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency through the Environment Fund, the improvements include the replacement of the entrance steps, the installation of new lighting and sensors and the addition of solar panels.

Other new features include the construction of stock-proof 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.

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.

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 six 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.

While their precise purpose remains debated, it is widely believed that souterrains were used as places of refuge during a time of Viking raids and inter-tribal conflict as well as for storage on a day-to-day basis.

The site 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.

Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairperson 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 are “buried and forgotten with time”. 

“The upgrades mark an important moment in the preservation and public engagement with Northern Ireland’s archaeological heritage,” he continued.

“Visitors can now once again explore this fascinating historical site, which offers a rare glimpse into the life of the Early Christian period.”

The public can check in advance if the site is open by emailing visitorservices@nmandd.org or contacting Visitor Services and Attractions on +44 (0) 330 137 4046. For more information visit: www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/things-to-do/finnis-souterrain-p808341.