What is recorded here

Five cupmarks and partial rings appear on a flat rock surface in County Kerry, preserving a deliberate act of marking long before written history. The best example carries two concentric rings and a curved groove extending from the central mark, suggesting that the maker wanted the pattern to be seen, traced or remembered. The rock sits within a deep bog cutting at the northeast end of the complex, where water and time have hidden much of what once stood together.

The flat upper surface of this section of rock outcrop bears five cupmarks, three of which have segments of concentric rings. The best preserved example features two concentric rings and a curved radial groove, which extends from the cupmark. The decorated surface measures 1m x .9m, and the rock is located in a 1m deep bog cutting at the NE end of the complex (Finlay 1973, 47). See attached drawing of rock art taken from O'Sullivan and Sheehan 1996, Fig. 48 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. 269. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 28 July 2013 In blanket bog, on a NE-facing slope (153m OD). Not located. According to O’Sullivan & Sheehan (1996, 82; Entry 269, Figure 48 (b), this rock outcrop (dims. 1.0m x 0.9m) has a flat decorated surface bearing five cupmarks, including three having portions of concentric rings. The best preserved has two concentric rings and a curved radial groove, which extends from the cupmark (ibid). According to Finlay (1973, 47), the rock outcrop is located in a deep bog cutting (D 10m) at the NE-end of the rock art complex. All stones in area checked but none appear to bear rock art of this description. Some relatively recent drainage works noted in this vicinity. Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 2 March 2017

Likely dating to the Neolithic or Bronze Age, this rock art may have had ritual or symbolic significance, possibly related to celestial observation or territorial marking. Cupmarks with concentric rings are commonly associated with ceremonial or votive practices in prehistoric Europe.

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