Rock art

The National Monuments Service's description

In mountain heath, upon a conspicuous rock outcrop (246m OD), adjacent level area of ground that forms a saddle between Rinn Chonaill, to SE and a lower summit, to W; steep descent to NE. Extensive vista to Ballyferriter and Smerwick Harbour WSW->WNW, over Ballydavid Head at NNW and across Brandon Mountain range NE->E and Ballysitteragh Mountain to SE. Rock art is located upon an upright portion of rock which forms part of a side elevation of this outcrop; named upon OS historic mapping as Carrigameen; drystone boundary wall abuts to S. A slightly rough and unfractured, triangular-shaped portion of sandstone (dims. 0.80m WSW-ENE; 0.45m NNE-SSE) having a SSE-facing decorated surface bearing a single spiral motif (dims. 0.19m WSW-ENE; H 0.18m) which is obscured by white lichens. This decorative element has a clockwise groove (Wth 1-3.5cm; D 6-8mm) that is narrow (Wth 1cm) in the centre, broadens (Wth 3.5cm) as it winds out and narrows again as it tails off. Located upon a saint’s road known as Cosán na Naomh, which is a medieval pilgrim route from Ventry to Brandon Mountain; The portion in this vicinity extends from Kilmalkeadar Early Christian and Medieval ecclesiastical complex (KE042-026----) at SW, to Corr Aille, at NE. Initially identified as rock art by Colm Bambury in 2011.

Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly

Date of upload: 7 July 2017