Rock art in Gortnagulla

On the upper S slopes of Been Hill, situated in an area of rock outcrop and scree, is an earthfast boulder, 2.85m x 1.65m x .5m high. From this location fine views may be had to W along the Ferta river valley to the sea beyond. The decorated face slopes upwards to N and features a network of large, deeply pocked grooves. These define circular, oval and triangular areas and enclose a range of motifs, comprising five rings, one penannular ring, three cup-and-rings and one cup-and-three rings with a radial groove. A cupmark with a curved radial groove occurs close to one of the cup-and-rings (Lynch 1906, 281-2). See attached drawing of rock art taken from O'Sullivan and Sheehan 1996, Fig. 62 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. 329. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. In mountain pasture (376m OD), in area of rock outcrop and boulders, on a steep SW-facing slope of Been Hill; Excellent views of River Ferta valley and sea to SW. A slightly rough and fractured sandstone rock (dims. 3.30m NE-SW; 1.85m NW-SE; max. H 0.44m at W), which has a sub-rectangular decorated surface (dims. 2.46m NE-SW; 1.38m NW-SE) and a SE-facing aspect. The motifs are well defined, yet weathered. A large sub-oval area (dims. 1.12m WNW-ESE; 0.57m NNE-SSW) defined by a groove (Wth 2cm; D 5mm) is located at NE end of rock surface; cup-and-ring motif (overall diam. 23cm; ring Wth 2cm; D 3-4mm; cup diam. 6cm; D 9mm), formed by pickmarks, is within interior. A large sub-circular area (dims. 0.60cm N-S; 0.55cm E-W) defined by a groove (Wth 1.5-2cm; D 3-4mm) is conjoined to SW side of the large sub-oval element. A cup-and-ring motif (overall diam. 16cm; ring Wth 1cm; D 2mm; cup diam. 5cm; D 5mm) and a single cup (diam. 5cm; D 5mm) are within interior; a radial groove extends from cup at E. A large circular area (dims. 0.65m N-S; 0.60m E-W) defined by a groove (Wth 2cm; D 4mm) is conjoined to S side of large sub-oval element and E side of sub-circular element. A cup-and-three-ring motif (overall diam. 32cm; ring Wth 1cm; D 3-4mm; cup diam. 8cm; D 2cm) having penannular rings is within the interior; A radial groove extends from N side of cup to exterior of the penannular rings. A short linear groove is connected to S and adjoins a large D-shaped area (dims. 0.61m NE-SW; 0.71cm NW-SE) defined by a groove (Wth 2.5cm; D 5mm). A cup-and-ring motif (overall diam. 27cm; ring Wth 2cm; D 4mm; cup diam. 7cm; D 8mm) and a ring (diam. 16cm) are within the interior. There are six rings (diam. 8-12cm) located on SW area of stone surface. A number of other linear grooves join up with the large enclosing elements, as per O’Sullivan & Sheehan (1996, 97, Fig. 62). A low stone field wall (long axis NE-SW) c. 20m to W. Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 31 May 2017