What is recorded here

Half a kilometre from the last road, a flat sandstone slab still holds twenty-one cup-and-ring markings inside a narrow oval groove. People may have knelt beside that stone when Peakeen Mountain was young, pressing tools into warm rock while rain tapped the bog above. The marks survive because they cut through pride, patience and time.

In rough pasture, on the lower S-facing slopes of Peakeen Mountain. The upper surface of an outcrop of sandstone (3m N-S; 2.85m E-W), which inclines to the E and protrudes above the surface of the bog, bears rock art. The motifs occurs mainly on the N side of the rock-face and are enclosed by a large shallow groove (Wth 3cm), curving from W to N. The motifs consist of five cupmarks, twelve cup-and-rings, four cup-and-two rings and one cup-and-three rings. The cup-and-three rings motif has two parallel radial lines extending from the inner ring through to the outer rings. A central groove runs E-W along the area of decoration before joining a natural crack in the rock. A second, broader groove extends through the cordon before disappearing off the edge of the rock-face. Five incised conjoined rings and one single incised ring occur outside the main decoration on the S side of the rock-face. (Coyne 2001, 16-19). To see a 3D model of this monument visit: https://skfb.ly/SJuu The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Kerry. Volume I: South-West Kerry' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 30 May 2011 In rough pasture (155m OD), on a NE-facing slope, c. 10m to SSE of a coniferous plantation; Good views of Peakeen Mountain and Knockanaguish to N and NE respectively. A smooth and unfractured, low profile rock outcrop (dims. 2.30m NNW-SSE; 2.80m ENE-WSW; max. H 0.50m at NW) that is higher at SW and slopes downward to NE, respecting the natural slope of the surrounding landscape. It has a highly decorated, rectangular surface (dims. 1.80m NNW-SSE; 2.40m ENE-WSW) with a NE-facing aspect, bearing well-defined, albeit weathered motifs. The majority of motifs are enclosed by a large oval area (dims. 1.36m N-S; 2.05m E-W) defined by a groove (Wth 2cm; D 4mm). A number of cupmarks (diam. 4-8cm; D 3-5mm) are dispersed across the decorated surface, within the interior and exterior of the large oval enclosing element. Numerous cup-and-ring motifs (overall diam. 10-17cm; ring Wth 1.5cm; D 3-4mm; cup diam. 5-7cm; D 10-12mm) are also located across the decorated surface. A cup-and-ring motif (overall diam. 18cm; ring Wth 3-3.5cm; D 4mm; cup diam. 7cm; D 24mm), which is located centrally upon the stone surface, has a very deep cupmark. Two cup-and-two-ring motifs (range diam. 22-32cm; ring Wth 1.5-2cm; D 4-5mm; cup diam. 8-9.5cm; D 8-20mm) are at W edge of decorated surface. A cup-and-three-ring motif (overall diam. 35cm; ring Wth 1.5-2cm; D 4-5mm; cup diam. 9cm; D 16mm) is incorporated into NW side of large enclosing element. Two areas of weathering, where water appears to have lodged, are covered by black moss, off-centre to E and W. There are six ‘incised circles’ (overall diam. 17cm; ring Wth 3mm; D 2mm) upon the SE area of the stone surface. According to Coyne (2001, 16-19) these may correspond to marking out the area of the stone surface prior to etching out the ring. Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 5 July 2017

Likely dating to the Neolithic or Bronze Age, the rock art may represent symbolic or ritual markings associated with early farming communities or spiritual practices. No specific folklore is recorded, but such art often relates to territorial, ceremonial, or astronomical functions.

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