Rock art

The National Monuments Service's description

In rough pasture, on the lower S-facing slopes of Peakeen Mountain. The upper surface of an outcrop of sandstone (3m N-S; 2.85m E-W), which inclines to the E and protrudes above the surface of the bog, bears rock art. The motifs occurs mainly on the N side of the rock-face and are enclosed by a large shallow groove (Wth 3cm), curving from W to N. The motifs consist of five cupmarks, twelve cup-and-rings, four cup-and-two rings and one cup-and-three rings. The cup-and-three rings motif has two parallel radial lines extending from the inner ring through to the outer rings. A central groove runs E-W along the area of decoration before joining a natural crack in the rock. A second, broader groove extends through the cordon before disappearing off the edge of the rock-face. Five incised conjoined rings and one single incised ring occur outside the main decoration on the S side of the rock-face. (Coyne 2001, 16-19).

To see a 3D model of this monument visit: https://skfb.ly/SJuu

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 pasture (155m OD), on a NE-facing slope, c. 10m to SSE of a coniferous plantation; Good views of Peakeen Mountain and Knockanaguish to N and NE respectively. A smooth and unfractured, low profile rock outcrop (dims. 2.30m NNW-SSE; 2.80m ENE-WSW; max. H 0.50m at NW) that is higher at SW and slopes downward to NE, respecting the natural slope of the surrounding landscape. It has a highly decorated, rectangular surface (dims. 1.80m NNW-SSE; 2.40m ENE-WSW) with a NE-facing aspect, bearing well-defined, albeit weathered motifs. The majority of motifs are enclosed by a large oval area (dims. 1.36m N-S; 2.05m E-W) defined by a groove (Wth 2cm; D 4mm). A number of cupmarks (diam. 4-8cm; D 3-5mm) are dispersed across the decorated surface, within the interior and exterior of the large oval enclosing element. Numerous cup-and-ring motifs (overall diam. 10-17cm; ring Wth 1.5cm; D 3-4mm; cup diam. 5-7cm; D 10-12mm) are also located across the decorated surface. A cup-and-ring motif (overall diam. 18cm; ring Wth 3-3.5cm; D 4mm; cup diam. 7cm; D 24mm), which is located centrally upon the stone surface, has a very deep cupmark. Two cup-and-two-ring motifs (range diam. 22-32cm; ring Wth 1.5-2cm; D 4-5mm; cup diam. 8-9.5cm; D 8-20mm) are at W edge of decorated surface. A cup-and-three-ring motif (overall diam. 35cm; ring Wth 1.5-2cm; D 4-5mm; cup diam. 9cm; D 16mm) is incorporated into NW side of large enclosing element. Two areas of weathering, where water appears to have lodged, are covered by black moss, off-centre to E and W. There are six ‘incised circles’ (overall diam. 17cm; ring Wth 3mm; D 2mm) upon the SE area of the stone surface. According to Coyne (2001, 16-19) these may correspond to marking out the area of the stone surface prior to etching out the ring.

Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly

Date of upload: 5 July 2017

References

Coyne, F. 2001 Ever-increasing circles. Archaeology Ireland 57, 16-19.