Rock art in Derrynablaha

This very weathered rectangular boulder measures 2.6m x 1.7m and its decorated surface slopes upwards to N. The poorly preserved, shallow motifs are confined to two margins of the surface and comprise fourteen cupmarks, two cup-and-rings, two cup-and-two rings and a cup-and-three rings. Almost all the rings are incomplete, though this may be as a result of weathering. 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. 305. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 28 July 2013 In upland heath pasture (221m OD), on a SE-facing slope with extensive views down the Kealduff River valley to S and a glimpse of Lough Brin to E. Directly overlooked by rugged mountain to W. Monument not located. There is no exposed rock art at this location or its vicinity. There are rocks with natural pock marks and striations, but none that appear man-made. Other rock art sites in this area were located 83m to SW of the co-ordinate supplied, however, this monument could not be located. Land drain (long axis c. E-W) excavated into the peat across this area and dislodging a lot of rocks in its path. It is possible that this rock could be face down or obscured/covered by excavated debris. O’Sullivan & Sheehan (1996, 93; Entry 305) describes a very weathered rectangular boulder (dims. 2.6m x 1.7m) with a decorated surface sloping upwards to N and bearing poorly preserved, shallow motifs confined to two margins of the surface. The motifs comprise of fourteen cupmarks, two cup-and-rings, two cup-and-two rings and a cup-and-three rings (ibid). Almost all the rings are incomplete, possibly due to weathering (ibid). Rock art site (KE082-025002-) is located c. 15m downslope. Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 9 March 2017

Likely dating to the Neolithic or Bronze Age, the rock art may have had ritual or symbolic significance, possibly linked to water or landscape features. Cupmarks often feature in prehistoric art across Ireland and Britain, sometimes associated with ceremonial or astronomical functions.