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Rock art in Ardcanaght

Rock art
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What is recorded here

National Monument Number 430. In improved pasture (20m OD), on a very gentle E-facing slope of low lying ground in the River Maine valley. Excellent views of the MacGillycuddy Reeks to S and Slieve Mish mountains to N. A smooth and fractured standing stone (KE047-026----) having a rectangular decorated surface (dims. H 1.55m; Wth 0.66m) bearing extremely faint and weathered rock art upon the ENE-elevation. Very faint traces of approximately five cup-and-one-ring motifs (average diam. 15cm; ring Wth 4cm; D 3mm; cup diam. 5cm; D 4mm) are barely traceable upon lower part of this elevation. Three single ring elements and two two-ring elements may represent the remains of deeply weathered cup-and-ring or cup-and-two ring motifs. According to a drawing by O’Shea (1966), the ENE-facing aspect bears at least fourteen motifs, including rings, cup-and-rings and an unusual spiral motif. A semi-circular arrangement of five pickmarks are located upon the upper NNW-facing aspect. There are natural solution or pock marks upon both decorated aspects. Known as the Ardcanaght Stone. A rectangular area (dims. 3.5m N-S; 3.5m E-W) around the monument is enclosed by a steel fence, separating it from rest of field. Three fragments of ogham stone (KE047-026001-/026003-) within the railed enclosure, at base of standing stone. Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 6 July 2017

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