What is recorded here

Aoibheann Lambe identified the site in 2014, exposing faint cupmarks and ringed motifs on a smooth sandstone ledge above the Behy River valley. Lichen now smothers most of the surface, yet the shapes still emerge where mountain light rakes across the heath. Whoever cut those marks stood beside a glacial boulder field, looking out over water and ridge, making a small permanent claim on a place that keeps changing around them.

This monument was initially identified as rock art by Aoibheann Lambe in 2014. In mountain heath, on an ENE-facing slope (277m OD), overlooking Behy River valley to NE and glimpse of Coomaglaslaw Lake to SE; overlooked by mountains SE->W->NE. Watercourse (draining from Coomnacronia Lake) is located 20m to SSE and is flanked either side by a deposit of glacial boulders; Rock art site is situated at northern edge. A very smooth and unfractured, sandstone rock (dims. 1.55m NNE-SSW; 3.10m ESE-WNW; max. H 0.60m at E), which has a sub-rectangular decorated surface (dims. 1.35m NNE-SSW; 2.50m ESE-WNW) and a slight NE-facing aspect. Very weathered and faint rock art with lichens covering c. ninety per cent of the surface. The rock art consist of eleven cupmarks (diam. 3-6cm; D 3-4mm) distributed across the central portion of the decorated surface. Seven cup-and-one ring motifs (overall dims. 12-23cm) concentrated across the southern area of decorated surface, having a cupmark (diam. 5-12cm; D 3-4mm) and ring (Wth 2cm; D 2-3mm), three of which are incomplete and three of which have a radial groove extending from the cupmark to the exterior of the motif. Three cup-and-two ring motifs (overall diam. 21-25cm) off-centre to S, having a cupmark (diam. 3.5-5cm; D 4mm) and rings (Wth 1cm; D 2mm) of which the central example is incomplete. Two of these have a radial groove extending from the cupmark to the exterior of the cup-and-three ring motif. One of the single cupmarks mentioned above, is located upon outer ring of cup-and-two ring motif, at W-end of decorated surface. There is a step located on E-edge of this rock, c. 27cm below the decorated surface. Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 3 March 2017

Likely dating to the Neolithic or Bronze Age, this rock art may have held ritual or territorial significance, possibly linked to landscape features such as the Behy River valley and Coomaglaslaw Lake. Its meaning remains undeciphered, but such sites often feature in local folklore as markers of ancient pathways or sacred places.

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