What is recorded here

Gleninsheen wedge tomb on the Burren plateau hides five or six small cupmarks inside its northern and southern stones. They appear only when light strikes the rock at the right angle, suggesting the chamber was built to reveal marks at a certain hour or season. The smallest holes may have been pecked by human hands, while the deepest cup could have started as a natural hollow and been shaped into meaning. The tomb does not shout its purpose; it waits for shadow, angle and patience to bring its hidden face into view.

On the inner face of the northern and southern orthostats of Gleninsheen wedge tomb (CL005-133----) on the Burren plateau. Five and possibly six cupmarks (Wth 0.01-0.025m; D 0.01-0.015m) are visible in particular lighting conditions on the interior of the northern orthostat and one on the southern one. A possible circular area of light pecking is also visible adjacent to the northern group. It is possible that the largest and deepest cupmark was a natural feature augmented by pecking. (Gibbons 2007, 16-18) Compiled by: Mary Tunney Date of upload: 19 December 2016

Likely dating to the Neolithic period (c. 4000–2500 BCE), the cupmarks at Gleninsheen wedge tomb may have held ritual or symbolic significance, possibly linked to water or fertility practices common in prehistoric Ireland.

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