Rock art in Derrynablaha

This triangular-shaped, earthfast boulder measures 1.55m x 1m and at least .75m high. Two faint cup-and-ring motifs occur on its N facing surface. 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. 302. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 28 July 2013 In a very stony area of upland heath pasture, on a S-facing slope (250m OD), overlooking Kealduff River valley of which stream to SW is a tributary. One of a cluster of six low profile, decorated stones which occupy a small area (dims. 16m NE-SW; 8m NW-SE) of hillside. Slightly rough and fractured sandstone rock outcrop (dims. 1.57E-W; 0.95m N-S; H 0.6m) with a triangular decorated surface (dims. 0.69m NE-SW; 0.25m NW-SE), having a N-facing aspect. Stone is covered in lichens and the rock art is weathered, consisting of a probable cupmark (diam. 3.5cm; D 4mm) which is clearly defined across northern half; two cup-and-one ringmark (total diam. 10cm). The upper cup-and one-ringmark having a central cup (diam. 4cm; D 3mm) and a ring (Wth 2cm; D 3mm). The lower cup-and one-ringmark having a central cup (diam. 4cm; D 10mm) and a ring (Wth 2cm; D 3mm). Rock art (KE082-023001-) is located 0.2m to NE. Lough Brin is situated to E. Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 8 March 2017

Likely dating to the Neolithic or Bronze Age, the cup-and-ring motifs on the rock art in Derrynablaha may have held ritual or symbolic significance, possibly linked to territorial markers, spiritual beliefs, or astronomical observations. Such motifs are commonly found across Atlantic Europe and are often associated with ceremonial landscapes.