Cup-and-Ring Stone (lost): OS Grid Reference – Q 547 012
Archaeology & History
This was one of two cup-and-ring stones discovered in the mid-1870s by Lord Dunraven and Rev. James Graves (1877) “near Ballynasare bridge,” both of which are now lost. It is much smaller than its compatriot, but sadly Mr Graves gave no notice as to its exact size nor its proximity to the other carving, although I presume they were pretty close to each other. He told that the carving was “cut upon the surface of the natural rock,” meaning that unless it’s been quarried or built over, it should still be there somewhere.
The grid reference cited here is an approximation given in Cuppage’s (1986) excellent survey, who told that its “precise location is not now known and may have been in any of the four townlands which converge at the bridge.” Hopefully it’ll be hiding away in some undergrowth, awaiting the attention of an antiquarian explorer. Are there any local folk who are able to help us out with this one?
References:
- Cuppage, Judith, Archaeological Survey of the Dingle Peninsula, Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne: Ballyferriter 1986.
- Graves, James, “On Cup and Circle Sculptures as Occurring in Ireland,” in Journal Royal Society Antiquaries, Ireland, volume 4 (4th series), April 1877.
© Paul Bennett, The Northern Antiquarian
