Rock art in Derrynablaha

This slab, .6m x .37m, serves as the threshold of a small gateway which leads to a group of outhouses. The markings on its upper surface are worn and comprise a cup-and-ring and two cupmarks, one of which features slight traces of an enclosing ring (Anati 1963, 2, No. 1; Finlay 1973, 73). See attached drawing of rock art taken from O'Sullivan and Sheehan 1996, Fig. 59 (a) 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. 309. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. In rough, (improved) pasture, on a SE-facing slope. At top of old laneway leading from abandoned settlement at W to derelict two-storey farmhouse to ESE. Reused as the central threshold stone in a defined gap (Wth 0.8m) in drystone wall (H 1.4m; D 1.35m). Smooth and unfractured, sub-rectangular stone (dims. 0.44m N-S; 0.38m E-W) which is green in colour (algae). Stone is lying flat and is in good condition, although the motifs are very subtle, as described by Finlay (1973, 73). The upper decorated surface (dims. 0.28m N-S; 0.26m E-W) is sub-rectangular and the motifs are confined to the N-side. They consist of two cupmarks to E and one cup and partial ring to W. The cupmark (diam. 3.5cm; D 2mm) is to SE and a second cupmark (dims. 5cm N-S; 4cm E-W; D 3mm) is c. 10cm to N. The cupmark (diam. 5cm; D 4mm) with the partial ring is best preserved, c. 12cm to W. Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 8 March 2017

This rock art, featuring a cup-and-ring and two cupmarks, is likely from the Neolithic or Bronze Age period. Such markings may have had ritual or symbolic significance, possibly related to water sources or territorial markers, though specific folklore or use in this context is not recorded.