What is recorded here

Aoibheann Lambe identified the site in 2014, exposing a conjoined cup-and-three-ring motif carved into fractured sandstone above a narrow stream. Freeze-thaw action has erased parts of the design, yet the surviving rings remain symmetrical and finely cut. The rock sits on a steep heath slope, forcing any viewer to lean forward against the mountain air before the markings resolve into shape.

This monument was initially identified as rock art by Aoibheann Lambe in 2014. In mountain heath, on a NE-facing slope (209m OD), overlooking Behy River valley to NE and overlooked by mountains SE->W->NE. Watercourse (draining from Coomnacronia Lake) is located 1m to E. Rock art boulder overhangs a small stream which converges with the larger watercourse, adjacent to N of monument. A slightly rough and fractured, sandstone rock (dims. 1.95m NW-SE; 1.50m NE-SW; max. H 0.35m), which has an irregular-shaped decorated surface (dims. 0.50m NNE-SSW; 1.00m ESE-WNW) and a NE-facing aspect. Very weathered, mainly by freeze/thaw action which has removed part of this motif, to W and other motifs may also have been eroded. The rock art consist of a conjoined cup-and-three-ring motif (overall dims. 21cm NE-SW; max. 17cm NW-SE): The cup-and-three ring motif to S is best preserved and comprises of a cupmark (diam. 4-5cm; D 8-9mm) and rings (Wth 1cm; D 3-4mm). The cup-and-three ring motif (reduced diam. 17cm) conjoined to N has been adversely affected by freeze/thaw action W->N->NE. The inner ring of the S cup-and-three-ring is complete and the two outer rings are conjoined with the other cup-and-three-ring motif. The conjoined motif is very finely carved and is symmetrical. A ‘rosette’ cup-and-ring motif abuts to E and together these motifs form a trefoil shape. The ‘rosette’ cup-and-ring motif comprises of a central cupmark (diam. 2.5cm; D 9mm) and is enclosed by seven slightly smaller cupmarks (diam. 1.5cm; D 4mm). A cup-and-ring motif (diam. 8cm) having a cupmark (diam. 3.5cm; D 4mm) and ring (Wth 8mm; D 2mm) is located 67cm to NW of the main trefoil motif. The ring is incomplete at SW and N, possibly due to weathering. There are four pickmarks (diam. 1-1.5cm; D 3mm) located 10cm to NE of main trefoil motif, up on a higher area of rock surface defined by a natural ‘step’ (H 4cm). Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 3 March 2017

Likely dating to the Neolithic or Bronze Age, this rock art may have held symbolic or ritual significance, possibly linked to the surrounding landscape and water features. Its meaning remains undeciphered, but such art often reflected spiritual beliefs or territorial markers in prehistoric societies.

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