Rock art

The National Monuments Service's description

This very weathered section of outcrop is exposed in a 1m deep bog-cutting. Its level upper surface bears a cupmark and a linear groove (information: A. Purcell).

The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 282. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload: 28 July 2013

In a small, shallow depression (152m OD), in blanket bog, c. 5m to SW of trackway. Overlooking Behy River valley to NE. A slightly rough and unfractured, sandstone rock (dims. 1.75m E-W; 0.9m N-S; max. H 0.42m at E), which has an irregular-shaped decorated surface (dims. 1.20m E-W x 0.70m N-S) which is generally flat with a very slight N-facing tilt. Higher ground encloses the rock to S, W and N, where it is partially covered by sphagnum moss, peat and water run-off. The motifs are clearly visible and consist of fifteen cupmarks, three cup-and-one ring motifs, including one cup-and-partial ring. A long, linear groove divides the decorated surface into an area to E and W. The main motifs appear to be concentrated upon the area to W: There are two curvilinear grooves which enclose the cupmarks and cup-and-one ring motifs and a linear groove which extends (long-axis N-S) across the rock face. Two well preserved and pronounced cup-and-ring marks (diam. 12-14cm) consisting of a cupmark (diam. 5-6cm; D 6-8mm) and a ring groove (Wth 1-1.5cm; D 4-5mm) at W-end of rock face. The cup-and-ring motif to W has a short radial groove extending to S and turning at a right angle to SW. The second cup-and-ring motif adjacent to E, has a hollowed out area to S with a short, linear groove (long axis N-S) extending to S, and cupmark to SE of same. A partial cup-and-ring motif is located to SE. Four cupmarks (diam. 4-6cm; D 5-6mm) in close vicinity to N and E, are enclosed by curvilinear grooves. The remaining portion of the decorated surface, to E of the dividing groove, bears a closely formed cluster of five cupmarks to S. Five other cupmarks are to N.

Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly

Date of upload: 3 March 2017