Rock art

The National Monuments Service's description

This monument was initially identified as rock art by Aoibheann Lambe in 2014.  In improved, gently undulating pasture (54m OD), on a SE-facing slope. On W-side of valley of Coomnahorna River. Limited views S->W and overlooked by Cahernageeha Mountain to NW, Coad Mountain to NE and high ground to E. A large boulder which has a ridge (long-axis E-W) forming highest part of stone. A smooth and fractured sandstone (dims. 3.60m N-S; 6.05m E-W; max. H 1.50m at N) having a three decorated surfaces bearing over one hundred weathered motifs. A subrectangular decorated surface to S-facing aspect bears seventy cupmarks (range diam. 3.5-9cm; D 5-20mm), including three cupmarks (diam. 5cm; D 5-6mm) on top of stone ridge. There are five cup-and-ring motifs (overall diam. 12-14cm; ring Wth 1.5-2cm; D 4-5cm; cup diam. 6cm; D 14-15mm) and thirteen linear grooves (L 35-85cm; Wth 2-3.5cm; D 4-5mm). A natural valley-like cleavage plain filled with moss and field clearance stones defines lower portion of S-facing decorated surface. A roughly triangular decorated surface to SW-facing aspect bearing natural fractures and weathered motifs including nine cupmarks (diam. 4-6cm; D 5-6mm). A ledge (H 20cm) separates one cupmark on higher part of stone, to SE from the others on lower part of stone, to NW. A subrectangular decorated surface to N-facing aspect bears thirteen cupmarks (diam 4-5.5cm; D 5-11cm) and a faint linear groove (L 19cm; Wth 2cm; D 2mm) at W. A linear groove (L 32cm; Wth 2cm; D 2mm) at E is very faint and continues onto S-facing aspect, where it incorporates two cupmarks near base; A large oval depression (dims. 14cm x 12cm; D 11cm) is adjacent to E. This monument was initially identified as rock art by A. Lambe (2014).

Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly

Date of upload: 7 July 2017