Rock art in An Luachair

Two stones were found in close proximity to one another on the SE slopes of Knocknakilton, overlooking the Emlagh river valley. The smaller stone (KE045-032----) has been removed from the field fence into which it was incorporated and is now in the possession of Oidhreacht Chorea Dhuibhne. This measures 1.2m x .8m x .07m to .15m thick. The markings are dominated by a large cup-and-3 circles with a radial line running from the central cup through a gap in the inner circle and across the outer circles. A diametrically opposed radial line is formed by a natural fissure. A possible cup-mark, badly eroded, lies between the 2 outer circles. The remainder of the motifs comprise at least 6 cup-marks, one now partially broken away, and a cup-and-circle which, though gapped, may once have been complete as the surface of the stone is spalled where the gap occurs. The larger slab (KE045-032001-) lies against the SE side of a field fence and measures 2.25m x .5m to .95m x c. 0.3m thick. The surface is very weathered and some of the cupmark-like depressions may be natural. However, there appear to be at least 10 definite cup-marks and 2 cup-and-circles. One of the cup-and-circles has a radial line and an elongated spall has broken away from the edge of the other removing a cup-mark noted there by Finlay (1973, 29-30). The above description is derived from J. Cuppage (compiler) 'Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey.' Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne (1986), no. 189. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 May 2013 In improved pasture (149m OD), on an ESE-facing slope, abutting a farm trackway (long-axis NE-SW) to SE. Overlooking valley of Emlagh River SE->S and excellent view through distinct gap in hills at S, toward Inch strand and the Iveragh Peninsula. A smooth and unfractured upright stone (dims. H 1.80m; Wth 0.86m; T 0.27m) set up against SE side of earthen and hedgerow field boundary. It has a rectangular decorated surface (dims. H 1.25m; Wth 0.75m ) with a SE-facing aspect and bearing a dozen very weathered; Lots of mosses at base and across upper one third of decorated surface. The decorated surface is as depicted by Cuppage (1986, Fig 42 (b), 64) and consists of a cup-and-ring motif (overall diam. 16cm; ring Wth 2-2.5cm; D 4mm; cup diam. 7.5cm; D 12mm) near base of stone (i.e. toward ground level). This motif has a radial groove extending from cupmark; A second cup-and-ring motif is adjacent. Ten cupmarks (diam. 5-12cm; D 6-12mm) are located across the decorated surface, two of which are relatively large. A second example of rock art (KE045-032----) previously recorded at this location, has been moved to Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne (KE045-172----). Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 6 July 2017