Rock art in Magheranaul

Described by Van Hoek as 'This is one of the major sets of engravings in Doagh Isle. It has been fully described by the author in a previous article (Van Hoek 1985, fig. 6). The main features will be mentioned briefly again here, together with full descriptions of the two new additions to this rock. Most important is the unique cartouche design containing 10 parallel pocked grooves divided in two by another groove. Also very characteristic for this group are five large disc-cups, here surrounded by up to four concentric rings. To the N of the main group and the on the same exposure another interesting feature was revealed (fig. 6B). Next to two single cupmarks and six smaller depressions is a large irregular triangular groove with one runner cup. It encloses four cupmarks and a partial rosette of five midget cups and an oblong cupmark. Also enclosed is a large cup and two almost complete rings, the outer one some distance from the inner one. Between these two rings are three midget cups in a row, seeming to represent the beginning of a third ring. From the large central cup runs a short tail to the outer ring. This part of the rock slopes 9 degrees S as does the part described above. To the S of the main group, across a deep crack, is a continuation of the groove/cup and ring combination as seen on the main exposure (Fig. 6B). Dominating this is a clearly pocked cup and three complete but irregular rings with a distinct tail running from the central cup. The SW quadrant forms part of a long groove leading up to a cup and one complete ring. This long groove is touched and crossed by several other grooves and cups. One other cup has a short tail which touches a very irregular partial ring; the latter is very broad but shallow in its NW quadrant. There are at least eight single cupmarks of various sizes' (Van Hoek 1987, 30). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: : 30 May 2010

Likely dating to the Neolithic or Bronze Age, the rock art at Magheranaul may represent symbolic or ritual markings, possibly linked to territorial, ceremonial, or astronomical functions. Specific motifs, if present, could reflect local beliefs or mythologies, though detailed interpretations remain speculative.