What is recorded here

Cloontagh holds a long stone ledger beneath Donegal skies. Twelve cupmarks and ringing circles are cut across a convex face, waiting for hands that have forgotten how to leave marks behind. The boggy field slopes east like a breath held too long, giving up its shape one rain at a time. What was written there may have been measurement, memory, or warning. The stone still belongs to the people who first read it.

A natural exposed surface of rock, aligned E-W and measuring 4.3m × 1.1m. The slightly convex face carries at least 12 cupmarks, both plain and cup-and circles, some with grooves. It is situated in an uncultivated field, which slopes eastwards; heathery, boggy terrain. The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated. Date of upload: 22 September 2008

Likely dating to the Neolithic or Bronze Age, this rock art may have had ritual or symbolic significance, possibly linked to astronomical observations or territorial markers. Cup-and-ring markings are commonly associated with ceremonial practices in prehistoric Europe.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.