Rock art, Fegart, Co. Donegal

Co. Donegal |

Settlement Sites

Rock art, Fegart, Co. Donegal

In the northwest corner of a pasture field on Doagh Island, County Donegal, a weathered boulder emerges from a low grassy rise, offering spectacular views across Trawbreaga Bay and the long stretch of the Malin peninsula beyond.

The boulder, partly surrounded by piles of field clearance stones, rises about 65 centimetres at its northwest edge before sloping gently into the ground towards the southeast. From this elevated position, visitors can take in the dramatic landscape; small hills and rocky peaks rise gradually to the west, whilst mountainous peaks create an impressive backdrop to the southwest.

The boulder's smooth, fine-textured surface bears what may be one of Ireland's many examples of prehistoric rock art. On the sloping southeast face, which measures roughly 1.4 metres northwest to southeast and 2 metres northeast to southwest, a single possible cupmark can be found near the centre of the higher northwest end. This circular hollow, about 5 centimetres in diameter with a smooth surface now covered by a thin film of lichen, represents the type of simple rock art that dots the Irish landscape. Whilst other shallow, subcircular dimples appear across the surface, these seem to be natural features rather than human-made marks.

This boulder forms part of a small concentration of rock art in the area, with another decorated panel located just 2.8 metres to the northwest. Together, these stones offer a tangible connection to the prehistoric communities who once inhabited this corner of Donegal, choosing this prominent location with its commanding views to leave their mark on the landscape. The site remains accessible to those willing to explore the pasture fields of Doagh Island, where ancient art and Atlantic vistas combine to create a quietly remarkable spot.

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Pete F
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