What is recorded here

Kealduff Upper holds a narrow sandstone ribbon where sharp pickmarks cut cup-and-ring figures across the southern edge. The stones sit half-drowned in moss and heath, exposing only when water retreats or grass pulls back. Someone may have marked this ridge twice, for another similar rock lies a short distance south, as if the first line needed a echo.

In mountain heath (151m OD), with a concentration of rock outcrop and boulders, on a general NE-facing slope. An expanse of rock outcrop which is sod covered on two sides, to W and N of the decorated surface and is also covered by some sod, sphagnum moss and water on its S side. A smooth and fractured expanse of sandstone (dims. 1.85m E-W; 1.5m N-S; H 0.2m) is exposed between sod covered areas and has an irregular-shaped decorated surface (dims. 1.3m E-W, 1.2m N-S) which has a gentle S-facing aspect. All of the exposed motifs are defined by pickmarks and located across the southern margin of the exposed area of this rock. A cup-and-ring motif (overall diam. 16cm; cup diam. 7cm; D 6mm; ring Wth 1cm; D 3mm) enclosed by a partial ring SW->W->NE, is located at W-end of decorated surface; two naturally formed fractures are adjacent to W. A cup-and-two-ring motif (overall dims. 26cm N-S; 23cm E-W; cup diam. 7cm; D 6mm; ring Wth 1-1.5cm; D 4mm) is located centrally upon decorated surface, 15cm to E of latter; The ring is open to E, however this may be a result of exposure to freeze-thaw action. A radial groove (dims. L 15cm; Wth 1.5-2cm) extends from cupmark to E and continues beyond the motif. A cup-and-two-ring motif (overall diam. 27cm; cup diam. 6cm; D 4mm; ring Wth 1cm; D 2-3mm), c. 28cm to SE of latter, forms E-end of decorated surface. A short portion of radial groove extends from middle ring to just beyond outer ring, at SE. This motif is enclosed by a line of pickmarks which respect the outer ring W->NW and terminate in a circular cluster of pickmarks at the N end, which may have been an intended cupmark. A number of similar characteristics to rock art (KE071-035----), c. 25m to S, may suggest that this (KE071-090----) is a duplicate site. Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 5 July 2017

Likely dating to the Neolithic or Bronze Age, the rock art at Kealduff Upper may have had ritual or territorial significance, possibly linked to landscape features or seasonal movements. Its meaning remains undeciphered, but such art often reflects symbolic communication or spiritual beliefs of prehistoric communities.

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