Deep cup and ring at Boheh
Image credit: ryaner
Images
22/8/10
Image credit: ryaner
22/8/10 Rain brings out the carvings
Image credit: ryaner
The sun sets directly on top of the mountain, 18th April 2009.
Image credit: Ken Williams/ShadowsandStone.com 2009
Sloping panels of very weathered carvings, eastern side of outcrop
Image credit: Ken Williams/ShadowsandStone.com 2008
Three shots merged to show the descent of the sun as viewed from the outcrop itself
Image credit: Ken Williams/ShadowsandStone.com 2008
The outcrop with Croagh Patrick in the background
Image credit: Ken Williams/ShadowsandStone.com 2008
Carvings on the ‘capstone’ on top of the outcrop and the sun setting into the notch at the bottom of the slope
Image credit: Ken Williams/ShadowsandStone.com 2008
On a Roll... The sun slowly reaches the peak of the mountain before sliding down the edge in a rather spectacular fashion 17/4/08
Image credit: Ken Williams/ShadowsandStone.com
Mid-way down from behind the stone itself, people all over it which isnt great considering the age of the rock-art.
Image credit: Bawn79
At the beginning of the descent down Croagh Patricks Northern Slope
Image credit: Bawn79
Over half ways down
Image credit: Bawn79
Seconds before “the Rolling Sun” disappears beneath Croagh Patrick
Image credit: Bawn79
The stone with the Sacred Hill Croagh Patrick in the background
Image credit: Bawn79
“St. Patricks Footprint”
Image credit: Bawn79
A few more cupmarks
Image credit: Bawn79
Some of the spirals on the stone
Image credit: Bawn79
Articles
A rare sample of megalithic engraving or “rock-scribing” has been found on an ancient pilgrimage route to Croagh Patrick in Co Mayo.
The prehistoric ornamentation resembles that found in Lough Crew, Co Meath, and is one of just of two rock art samples of its type to be identified west of the Shannon, according to archaeologist Michael Gibbons.
The panel had been concealed behind the outcropping at the Boheh townland known as St Patrick’s chair, which has some 250 petroglyphs or carvings on its surface. The carvings are believed to have been inspired by the “rolling sun” phenomenon, where the setting sun appears to glide down the flank of Croagh Patrick during the months of April and August.
More: irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/megalithic-rock-scribing-found-near-croagh-patrick-1.2119328
Finally made it up to see the “Rolling Sun” at Boheh Stone. It is a very interesting expierence. Talking to a local lady that had seen it everytime in the last 36 years she said that this instance was the brightest she can remember. I would recommend bringing some kind of tinted “welders” goggles with you so that you can observe it better. I think I am still seeing sun-spots after it.
The stone is on the Clew Bay Arch trail as Site 2 and can be found by following the signs for Croagh Patrick coming out of Westport and then following the sign for Site 2.
There is a lot of construction going on close to the stone (which is in someones backyard but access is allowed!) and another spot where it is possible to view the “rolling sun” from the road will be gone as another bungalow is built up in front of it.
It happens twice a year on the 18th April and August 24th. However the locals that were there last night agreed that today the 19th April would probably be better so it looks as if it could be slightly either side of this.
Animated GIF of the ‘Rolling Sun’ on 18th April 2009
More information on “the rolling sun”
Sites within 20km of Boheh
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Moher Lough
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Oughavale
photo 2 -
Killadangan
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Murrisk II
photo 5 -
Murrisk
photo 9 -
Derryheeagh
photo 2 -
Srahwee
photo 13forum 2description 1