Rock art in Derrynablaha

This large, rounded, earthfast boulder measures 2.3m x 2.1m x .6m thick. The ornamented surface slopes upwards to NW and features a cup-and-ring, four simple cupmarks and a cupmark with radial groove. Two pairs of parallel grooves, the longer being .74m long, converge on the cup-and-ring motif and are transected at right angles by other grooves (Anati 1963, 5, No. 5; Finlay 1973, 77). 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. 303. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 28 July 2013 In upland heath pasture (232m OD), on a SE-facing slope, overlooking Kealduff River valley. Directly overlooked by rugged mountain to E and further to S. Remains of low peat and stone field boundary (long axis NW-SE) to NE. Monument not located. There is no exposed rock art at this location or its vicinity. There are rocks with natural pock marks and striations, but none that appear man-made. Other rock art sites in this area were located 83m to SW of the co-ordinate supplied, however, this monument could not be located. O’Sullivan & Sheehan (1996, 92; Entry 303, Figure 53(d) describe an earthfast boulder (dims. 2.3m x 2.1m; T 1m) with a decorated surface sloping upwards to NW. It bears four cupmarks, a cup-and-ring, and a cupmark with a radial groove (ibid). Also described are two pairs of parallel grooves (max. L 0.74m) which converge on the cup-and-ring motif and are transected at right angles by other grooves (Anati 1963, 5, No. 5; Finlay 1973, 77) (ibid). It is unclear from O’Sullivan & Sheehan (ibid) if this site was located during their survey or if the information was gained from the Anati and Finlay surveys (ibid). Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 9 March 2017

Likely dating to the Neolithic or Early Bronze Age, this rock art may have held ritual or symbolic significance, possibly linked to water sources or territorial markers. The cup-and-ring motif is commonly associated with ceremonial or shamanistic practices in prehistoric Europe.