Laser-induced uorescence (LIF) and laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) are used to explore the structure of a turbulent boundary layer over a wall made up of two-dimensional square cavities placed transversely to the flow direction. There is strong evidence of occurrence of outflows of fluid from the cavities as well as inflows into the cavities. These events occur in a pseudo-random manner and are closely associated with the passage of near-wall quasi-streamwise vortices. These vortices and the associated low-speed streaks are similar to those found in a turbulent boundary layer over a smooth wall. It is conjectured that outflows play an important role in maintaining the level of turbulent energy in the layer and enhancing the approach towards self-preservation. Relative to a smooth wall layer, there is a discernible increase in the magnitudes of all the Reynolds stresses and a smaller streamwise variation of the local skin friction coefficient. A local maximum in the Reynolds shear stress is observed in the shear layers over the cavities.