Rock art in Lisnawully

Located at the top of a W-facing scarp of rock outcrop (H c. 2m) that is overgrown with scrub. An earthfast expanse of rock outcrop (dims 1.5m x 1.3m; H 0.3m) has a clockwise double spiral (dims 0.15m x 0.13m), the lines diverging (10-25mm) as they progress outwards from their central origin. The lines (Wth 5-10mm) are pocked with numerous small punch marks. The motif is towards the E edge of the exposed rock, which is probably a sandstone. An ENE-WSW line of crude depressions across the S edge of the stone are natural solution holes or 'tafoni', as are other clusters or similar depressions at the W edge. The rock art was originally identified by Pádraig O’Cumasigh and reported by Aoibheann Lambe. (Gosling 2021) See the attached view of the spiral from Gosling (2021, fig. 3) Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload; 6 September 2021 Amended: 26 August, 2022

Likely dating to the Neolithic or Bronze Age, the double spiral at Lisnawully is a common motif in prehistoric rock art, often associated with cosmological symbolism, ritual practice, or territorial marking. Similar spirals appear in megalithic art across Ireland and Britain, though specific folklore or use for this example is not recorded.