Rock art in Kealduff Upper

In mountain heath and blanket bog (179m OD), at SE edge of rock scatter, in a slight localised depression of an otherwise NE-facing slope. Excellent views of Behy river valley to NE with Seefin and Droum Mountains in background. An unfractured boulder (dims. 2.2m N-S; 4.65m E-W; H 0.8m at NNE) bearing two decorated surfaces: A smooth E-facing aspect and a slightly rough W-facing aspect, which are both subrectangular in plan. The W-facing aspect has a roughly oval-shaped decorated surface (dims. 1.45m N-S; 0.9m E-W) bearing a number of faint decorative elements. The motifs consist of eight cupmarks (diam. 4cm; D 4mm), of similar size and form: three of which are near the N edge, four of which are in the centre and one isolated example near the S edge. Substantial oval ring (total dims. 0.81m E-W; 0.9m N-S) defined by a groove (Wth 1cm; D 2-3mm) NE->S->NW; open to N, where it is defined by natural fractures; encloses four of the eight cupmarks. The decorated surface (dims. 0.55m N-S; 0.8m E-W) upon the E-facing aspect bears a large heptagonal motif (total dims. 48cm N-S; 36cm E-W) enclosing a smaller hexagonal element (total dims. 20cm N-S; 17cm E-W) which has a central cupmark (diam. 2.5cm; D 2mm). An isolated cupmark (diam. 3cm; D 2mm) is adjacent to NE. Motifs upon this aspect are clearer and better defined and similar to hexagonal motif upon rock art site (KE071-164----); not considered to be typical rock art. Very poorly drained surface around base of this rock art site, which is covered by sphagnum moss. Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 25 January 2018