What is recorded here

Mortars and rings carved into a sloping rock face in Drumgonnelly, County Louth, mark one of the oldest human canvases in Ireland. Three single-ring cups, three double-ring cups and one triple-ring cup stand beside two curving lines that suggest a penannular shape. Someone stood here in darkness or dawn, cutting identity into stone. The hand may have trembled, but the marks still hold.

The following description is derived from both the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Louth' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1986) and the 'Archaeological Survey of County Louth' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1991). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 17 July 2007 Slightly sloping rock outcrop with three single cup and ring motifs, three cup and double ring motifs and one cup and triple ring motif. There are also two curving lines which appear to form a penannular-shaped motif. (CLAJ 1981, 114)

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