What is recorded here

Cortial in County Louth holds three distinct cup and ring motifs on a slightly sloping rock, including one triple-ringed cup with a groove extending beyond its outer edge. These ancient markings suggest human presence and intentional expression long before written history, inviting wonder about the lives and beliefs behind such deliberate craft. The groove may have marked a path, a ritual act, or simply the joy of making something visible on stone.

The following description is derived from both the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Louth' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1986) and the 'Archaeological Survey of County Louth' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1991). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 17 July 2007 Slightly sloping rock outcrop with three sets of cup and ring motifs. One motif has three concentric rings around the cup, another has two. The triple-ringed cup mark also has a groove running from the central cup to a point beyond the rings. (CLAJ 1981, 107)

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