Souterrains, as these structures are known, are artificial underground chambers or tunnels built during the early medieval period, typically between the seventh and twelfth centuries. They were constructed from carefully placed dry-stone walling and capstone roofing, and are found widely across Ireland, most often in association with ringforts. Their precise purpose is still debated among archaeologists; cold storage, refuge during raids, and ritual use have all been proposed, sometimes in combination.

Kerry has a particularly dense concentration of souterrains relative to other counties, which may reflect both the intensity of early medieval settlement in the region and the durability of local stone. The Knockrower example is one among many recorded across the county, each varying in length, complexity, and state of preservation. Some Kerry souterrains are elaborate multi-chambered systems with corbelled roofs and deliberately narrow creep-holes between sections, features that would have made pursuit by an intruder significantly more difficult. Without further detail specific to this site, it is difficult to say where Knockrower falls within that range of variation, but its existence points to a settled, organised community working this land well over a thousand years ago.