Rock art in Kealduff Upper

This large, roughly wedge-shaped section of rock outcrop features a smooth decorated surface, 4.2m x 2m, which slopes upwards to NE. Disposed on a slight fissure is a finely executed and well-preserved cruciform motif. It is formed by grooves that terminate in cupmarks enclosed by arcs within penannular rings; similar devices occur within two of the angles of the motif. Elsewhere there are cupmarks enclosed by one to four rings, most of them featuring a long radial groove extending from the innermost ring. In one instance there is a scattering of pockmarks between the innermost and second rings. At one end of the rock a long curved groove terminates in a cupmark. See attached drawing of rock art taken from O'Sullivan and Sheehan 1996, Fig. 66 (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. 346. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. In mountain heath, on an E-facing slope; Excellent views of River Behy valley N->E->SE and surrounding mountains. This rock art location is in a natural hollow that is becoming engulfed by a dense growth of furze; A small stream is c. 4m to E and another stream is c. 5m to SW. A slightly rough and fractured sandstone boulder (dims. 3.10m NE-SW; 1.70m NW-SE; max. H 0.85m at NE) having a rectangular decorated surface (dims. 2.25m NE-SW, 1.3m NW-SE) with a SW-facing aspect. The decorative elements are picked and consist of a cruciform motif (dims. 36cm NNW-SSE; 32cm ENE-WSW; ring Wth 1-1.5cm; D 4-5mm) toward the eastern end of the decorated surface. The four cross shafts each terminate in a cupmarks (diam. 2-3cm; D 5mm), two of which are enclosed by one penannular ring (overall dims. 10cm x 12cm) and two of which are enclosed by two penannular rings (overall dims. 10cm x 13cm). A similar terminus feature extends from the edge of the cruciform motif at SW and NW and consists of two penannular double ring motifs, each having a linear groove (L 7cm). A natural fracture (long-axis N-S) follows the long-axis of the cross and extends over the entire surface of the stone. A cup-and-ring motif (overall diam. 11cm; cup diam. 3cm; D 5mm; ring Wth 1.5-2cm; D 4mm) is adjacent to E and has a linear groove (L 15cm; Wth 1.5-2cm; D 3-4mm) extending from the ring, at S. A penannular cup-and-two-ring motif (overall diam. 16cm; cup diam. 4cm; D 5mm; ring Wth 1.5-2cm; D 5mm) is located 17cm to SE of the cruciform motif. A linear groove (dims. L 27cm; Wth 1.5-2cm; D 5mm) extends through the penannular ring at E. A cup-and-three ring motif (overall diam. 30cm; cup diam. 3cm; D 7mm; ring Wth 1.5cm; D 4mm) is located 82cm to SSW of cruciform motif. It consists of a complete inner ring and two penannular outer rings; A radial groove extends from the inner ring at ESE to the exterior of the motif, where it is obscured by growth. An ‘M’ scribble (dims. L 34cm; groove Wth 5mm; D 2mm) is located 5cm to NW, as per O’Sullivan & Sheehan (1996, 102; Fig. 66a). A cup-and-four-ring motif (overall dims. 29cm x 24cm; cup diam. 1.5cm; D 2mm; ring Wth 1-1.5cm; D 3-4mm) having a complete inner ring and penannular outer rings, is close to W of the ‘M’ scribble. The cupmark and inner ring are difficult to decipher due to weathering. A radial groove extends from the complete inner ring at E, to the exterior of the motif, where it is obscured by growth. A cup-and-two-ring motif (overall diam. 10cm; cup diam. 2cm; D 2mm; ring Wth 1cm; D 2-3mm) is to W of ‘M’ scribble. The outer ring is present N->E->SE where it joins with a linear groove (dims. L 13cm NW-SE; Wth 1cm; D 3mm) which extends from the inner ring at SE; This motif appears distorted due to weathering/erosion. A square-plan cup-and-ring motif (overall dims. 13cm x 14cm; cup diam. 3cm; D 15mm; ring Wth 3cm; D 3mm) is c. 43cm to NW of latter, at W-side of decorated surface; The cupmark could potentially be a reused, natural hollow. A cup-and-three-ring motif (overall dims. 13cm x 11cm; cup diam. 2.5cm; D 5mm; ring Wth 1cm: D 4mm) is located 20cm to WSW of latter; A linear groove (dims. L 12cm; Wth 1.5cm; D 3mm) extends from cupmark, to W. Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 5 July 2017