Rock art in Coomasaharn

A number of faint motifs were revealed on this rock when a portion of it, measuring 1.4m x 1.1m, was exposed by peat-cutting. These include a cup-and-ring from which a curving radial line extends, a possible ‘keyhole’ motif, and nine simple cupmarks, some of which are enclosed by linear grooves. 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. 280. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 28 July 2013 In cutaway bog, at edge of turf bank (H 0.6m), on a NE-facing slope (158m OD), overlooking the Behy River valley to NE. A slightly rough and fractured, sandstone rock (dims. 1.78m NE-SW; 2.30m NW-SE; max. H 0.60m at NW), which has a roughly rectangular decorated surface (dims. 0.70m NE-SW x 0.60m NW-SE) with a NE-facing aspect. The rock art is very faint and visually distorted by large patches of white and grey lichens. The motifs consist of a sub-oval area (dims. 28cm NE-SW; 22cm NW-SE) defined by a groove (Wth 2cm; D 3-4mm). Linear grooves of similar size and form extend from sub-oval area at N and SE. The groove to N extends across face of stone and is the most obvious of all the markings. Two roughly circular areas of pickmarks (diam. c. 7cm; D 3mm) to E and N of sub-oval area. These could represent the remains of picked cupmarks. This is at the same location as rock art site (KE071-059----) and may represent the same stone that has been exposed by turf cutting and surrounding growth has subsequently regenerated. Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 3 March 2017