What is recorded here

Twelve cupmarks and rough pocking mark the west face of a steep boulder in Derreeny, surviving beside a drystone wall under open mountain sky. Someone struck that stone repeatedly, perhaps counting sheep, marking territory or simply shaping rough rock into a memorable surface. The cups still hold shadow at dusk, waiting for hands to find their depth.

Located adjacent to the previous example, the steeply sloping upper surface of this boulder measures 1.4m x 1m in maximum dimensions. The well-preserved markings are confined to its W side and comprise twelve cupmarks and an area of pocking (information: A. Purcell). The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 291. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 28 July 2013 In rough, mountain pasture, on a N-facing slope of a rocky knoll (166m OD), with good views of Ballaghbeama Gap to N. A locus of inspection was carried out twice, yet this monument was not located. Diagram in SMR file appears to be incorrect and should be in file for another rock art site (KE082-079----). Described by Purcell (1993), as a boulder (max. dims. 1.4m x 1.0m) having a steeply sloping upper surface. The motifs are well-preserved and confined to the W-side, comprising of twelve cupmarks and an area of pocking (ibid; O’ Sullivan & Sheehan (1996, 88; Entry 291). A drystone field boundary is c. 12-14m to E. Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 8 March 2017

Likely dating to the Neolithic or Bronze Age, the cupmarks on the Rock art in Derreeny may have held ritual or astronomical significance, possibly linked to water or fertility symbolism common in prehistoric rock art.

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