What is recorded here

No human body survives, but the rock still holds the shape of attention: a large stray stone on the lower north slope of the Loughcrew Hills, marked with cup-and-circle designs and up to twenty-six cupmarks. Someone stood close enough to cut through skin, soil and patience, making small holes that still catch light on an inclined surface wide as a room. The stones do not explain themselves; they wait for the watcher to remember that seeing is not passive.

This is a large erratic located on the lower N-facing slope of the Loughcrew Hills, and has been fully recorded by Shee Twohig (et al. 2010, 15). Its decorated surface (dims c. 3.5m x 2.4m; max. H 1.3m) slopes up to the NE. There are three cup and circle motifs on this surface and a fourth over the edge at the N. In addition the top surface has up to 26 cupmarks and some excavated arcs. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 3 March, 2017

Likely dating to the Neolithic or Bronze Age, the rock art on the Ballinvally erratic may have held ritual or symbolic significance, possibly linked to landscape orientation or celestial events common in prehistoric Ireland. No specific folklore is recorded for this site.

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