Rock art in Baile An Ghlaisín

Three slabs (KE045-003----, KE045-003001- and KE045-003002-) bearing petroglyphs are located in close proximity to one another on the steep, lower, S facing slopes of Ballynahunt mountain, commanding a magnificent view over the Anascaul valley and through gaps in the coastal range as far as Dingle Bay and the Iveragh Peninsula. In the field immediately to N are a series of small cairns amongst which graves have apparently been uncovered (KE045-002----). Abutting the S side of a field fence is a prostrate slab (KE045-003----) measuring 1.5m x 1.2m. On its upper surface are at least 23 plain cup-marks ranging in diameter from .09 to .015m. In addition there are 3 cup-and-circles, 2 of which are now quite weathered, and near the NW edge is a cup-mark enclosed within a square, the E side formed by a natural fissure, the S by a slight ridge which may also be natural. Immediately E of this is a cup-mark with a slight tail, and towards the E side of the stone is a cup-mark with a longer radial groove. A linear groove delimits the S side of the decorated area, and a 2nd groove extends at right angles from this to almost meet the nearby cup-and-circle. W of this latter motif are 2 short linear grooves, but the series of grooves extending N-S along the W edge of the stone appear to be natural markings. A sketch by the Co. Kerry Field Club (1945, 630) shows circles enclosing most of the cup-marks, but, if these did once exist, there is now no surviving trace. A number of boulders, cleared from the field, have been piled up against the W side of the field fence 35m to S of KE045-003----. Amongst these is a slab (KE045-003001-) measuring 1.25m x 1m x c. 0.15m thick, which has 27 cup-marks on its exposed surface. Immediately N of KE045-003001- is a boulder (KE045-003002-), measuring 1.1m x 1.2m, which bears a single possible cup-mark. The above description is derived from J. Cuppage (compiler) 'Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey.' Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne (1986), no. 174. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 29 May 2013 In rough hill pasture (77m OD), on a steep SSE-facing slope. Good views overlooking valley E->S->W and Dingle Bay visible in distance, to S. A smooth and fractured sandstone (dims. 1.07m N-S; 0.77m E-W), c. 1.2m to S of drystone field wall. It has an irregular decorated surface (dims. 1.07m N-S; 0.77m E-W) which is flush with hillslope and has a S-facing aspect. Sod and moss encroaching to E and W. The motifs are weathered due to exposed location and consist of three cup-and-ring motifs including a complete cup-and-ring motif (overall diam. 17cm) at S end of decorated surface. Two other examples toward N end have gapped rings, possibly due to weathering. Nineteen cupmarks are located across the decorated surface and include approximately twelve small cupmarks (diam. 4cm; D 5mm) and seven larger cupmarks (diam. 9cm; D 18-27mm). Linear grooves were also noted upon this surface, mainly concentrated at the S end of the surface. The decorated elements along the NW area and E perimeter, as depicted by Cuppage (1986, Fig 38 (a), 60), were not seen due to sod and moss cover. Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 6 July 2017

The rock art at Baile An Ghlaisín is likely from the Late Neolithic or Bronze Age, based on the style and context of similar petroglyphs in the region. The motifs may represent symbolic or ritual meanings, possibly linked to territorial markers, celestial navigation, or early spiritual beliefs.