Rock art in Kealduff Upper

In mountain heath and blanket bog (179m OD), at SE edge of rock scatter, in a slight localised depression of an otherwise NE-facing slope. Excellent views of Behy river valley to NE with Seefin and Droum Mountains in background. An unfractured boulder (dims. 2.2m N-S; 4.65m E-W; H 0.8m at NNE) bearing two decorated surfaces: A smooth E-facing aspect and a slightly rough W-facing aspect, which are both subrectangular in plan. The W-facing aspect has a roughly oval-shaped decorated surface (dims. 1.45m N-S; 0.9m E-W) bearing a number of faint decorative elements. The motifs consist of eight cupmarks (diam. 4cm; D 4mm), of similar size and form: three of which are near the N edge, four of which are in the centre and one isolated example near the S edge. Substantial oval ring (total dims. 0.81m E-W; 0.9m N-S) defined by a groove (Wth 1cm; D 2-3mm) NE->S->NW; open to N, where it is defined by natural fractures; encloses four of the eight cupmarks. The decorated surface (dims. 0.55m N-S; 0.8m E-W) upon the E-facing aspect bears a large heptagonal motif (total dims. 48cm N-S; 36cm E-W) enclosing a smaller hexagonal element (total dims. 20cm N-S; 17cm E-W) which has a central cupmark (diam. 2.5cm; D 2mm). An isolated cupmark (diam. 3cm; D 2mm) is adjacent to NE. Motifs upon this aspect are clearer and better defined and similar to hexagonal motif upon rock art site (KE071-164----); not considered to be typical rock art. Very poorly drained surface around base of this rock art site, which is covered by sphagnum moss. Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 25 January 2018

Likely dating to the Neolithic or Bronze Age, this rock art may have had ritual or territorial significance, possibly linked to landscape features visible from the site. No specific folklore is recorded, but its location suggests a connection to ancient pathways or ceremonial activity in the uplands.