Rock art in Derrynablaha

This large, earthfast boulder, 2m x 1.9m in maximum dimensions, was stripped of a layer of peat approximately thirty years ago. Fissures and solution pits mark its stepped upper surface, though the motifs remain clearly visible. A long N-S groove, incorporating two solution pits and bifurcating at S, runs the length of and divides the decorated surface. Above the groove at E are seven simple cupmarks, an arc of a circle and several small areas of pocking. Below it are two large cup-and-three rings, each with a radial groove that extends from the cupmark through gaps in the rings; one of these grooves is curved. A pair of cup-and-two rings with radial grooves also occurs. The remainder of the carving includes five simple cupmarks, a number of meandering grooves interspersed among the motifs, and patches of light pocking. A single cupmark occurs on the E step of the rock surface (Anati 1963, 4, No.2; Finlay 1973, 73-5). See attached drawing of rock art taken from O'Sullivan and Sheehan 1996, Fig. 56 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. 306. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. In upland heath pasture (221m OD), on a SE-facing slope with extensive views down the Kealduff River valley to S and a glimpse of Lough Brin to E. Directly overlooked by rugged mountain to W. Monument not located. Other rock art sites in this area were located 83m to SW of the co-ordinate supplied, however, this monument could not be located. There is no exposed rock art at this location or its vicinity. A lot of loose boulders in this vicinity, yet none match size or description of this rock art site. O’Sullivan & Sheehan (1996, 93; Entry 306, Figure 56) describes an earthfast boulder (max. dims. 2m x 1.9m) which was stripped of a layer of peat c. 30 years ago. Natural fissures and solutions marks mark its stepped surface, although the motifs are clearly visible (ibid). A long groove (long-axis N-S) divides the decorated surface and above it, to E, are seven cupmarks, an arc of a circle and several small areas of pocking (ibid). Below it are two large cup-and-three rings, each with a radial groove that extends from the cupmark through the gaps in the rings (ibid). O’Sullivan & Sheehan (ibid) also describe a pair of cup-and-two rings with radial grooves, five cupmarks and meandering grooves and light pocking which are interspersed among the motifs. Rock art site (KE082-025001-) is located c. 15m upslope. Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 9 March 2017 Revised coordinates and image KE082-025002=_03.jpg updated courtesy of George Currie (13 May 2019).

Likely dating to the Neolithic or Bronze Age, the rock art on this boulder may have held ritual or symbolic significance, possibly linked to landscape features or ancestral beliefs. No specific folklore is recorded for this site.