Rock art, Carrowreagh or Craignacally, Co. Donegal
In the landscape of County Donegal, near Carrowreagh or Craignacally, stands an intriguing example of prehistoric rock art that has captured the attention of archaeologists and historians alike.
Rock art, Carrowreagh or Craignacally, Co. Donegal
The site features two substantial flat stone slabs that flank a modest gate built into a wall, creating an almost ceremonial entrance. What makes these stones particularly noteworthy is the presence of ancient markings; specifically, a single cupmark carved into the northern face of the western slab, as documented by researcher Van Hoek in 1988.
Cupmarks, those small circular depressions carved into stone surfaces, are amongst Ireland’s most enigmatic prehistoric features. Found throughout the country, these simple yet deliberate markings date back thousands of years, though their exact purpose remains a subject of scholarly debate. Some researchers suggest they held ritual significance, perhaps used in ceremonies or as territorial markers, whilst others propose more practical uses such as holders for offerings or even primitive counting systems.
This particular site in Donegal represents just one piece of Ireland’s extensive rock art heritage, which includes everything from simple cupmarks to elaborate carved spirals and geometric patterns. The positioning of these marked stones as gateposts suggests they may have been deliberately incorporated into later field boundaries, preserving these ancient markers whilst giving them new purpose in the agricultural landscape. Their survival offers modern visitors a tangible connection to the prehistoric communities who once inhabited this corner of Ireland, leaving their mark on the stone for reasons we can only imagine.





