What is recorded here

Ballymakellett holds a small flat boulder where someone pecked a circle and two parallel lines, possibly shaping a bullaun stone for water or ritual use. The marks are shallow but deliberate, cutting through stone on a steep western slope near the Táin Trail. Melanie McQuade and Seán Quealy identified the site, preserving a rare glimpse of hands working stone in a quiet Irish landscape.

Situated on a rise on a steep W-facing slope and in a small clearing (diam. c. 15m) c. 40m NE of a forest track that is part of the Táin Trail. It was first identified and recorded by Melanie McQuade and Seán Quealy. This is an earthfast boulder with a flat upper surface (dims c. 0.9m x c. 0.5m; H c. 0.5m). On the upper surface is circle (diam. 0.25m) defined by a peck-marked groove (D 1cm). Two shallow parallel grooves placed 0.1-0.15m apart extend from the circle to the edge of the stone at NW. It could be an attempt to create a bullaun stone. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 23/12/2016

Likely dating to the Neolithic or Bronze Age, the rock art in Ballymakellett may have held ritual or symbolic significance, possibly linked to territorial markers, spiritual beliefs, or storytelling traditions. Its location on a prominent slope suggests it may have been visible to travelers along the Táin Trail, potentially connecting it to ancient mythological or migratory routes.

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