Rock art

The National Monuments Service's description

In rough rocky hill pasture, on the lower S-facing slopes of Knockaunanattin Mountain, with commanding views S along the valley of the Kealduff River. The W side of the upper surface of a boulder (1m E-W; 0.5m N-S; H 0.6m) features a weathered cup-and-ring (diam. 9cm) enclosed by an irregular-shaped groove (30cm x 14cm). There is further rock art (KE082-073001-, KE082-073003-) c. 2m to the N and c. 35m to the E, respectively.

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload: 30 May 2011

In rough, open pasture, on a S-facing slope (163m OD), within a field system defined by a drystone wall; Field boundary c. 4.5m to NW. Excellent views of Kealduff river valley to S. A smooth and unfractured, sandstone rock (dims. 0.5m N-S; 0.8m E-W; max. H 0.6m), with an exceptionally smooth surface, possibly prepared using a hone stone. It has a rectangular decorated surface (dims. 0.17m N-S; 0.30m E-W) and a distinct W-facing aspect. This is one of few rocks in this area which has mica, which glistens when exposed to sunlight. The motifs are located centrally upon the rock surface and are well preserved. The rock art consists of one cup-and-ring motif (dims. 8cm N-S; 10cm E-W) having a well-defined cupmark (diam. 3cm; D 6mm) and ring (Wth 1cm; D 2mm), which is enclosed by an irregular outer ring formed by a picked groove. A short curvilinear groove (Cord 9cm; Wth 1.5cm; D 2mm) is c. 1.5cm to S. A single cupmark (diam. 3cm; D 3mm) is c. 3.5cm to W of the irregular shaped ring motif. Rock art (KE082-073001-) is c. 2m to N and rock art (KE082-073003-) is c. 16m to E. This area is strewn with numerous earthfast boulders and loose rocks of varying shapes and sizes.

Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly

Date of upload: 9 March 2017