Bronze Age cup and ring marks decorate natural rock faces at Ballygowan, on the western edge of Kilmartin Glen. The marks date to around 3000 BC and are among several similar sites along the glen.
The Ballygowan carvings are relatively simple but well-preserved. There are numerous cups (depressions carved into the rock face) and several are at the centre of concentric rings. Grooves link the marks together.
A unique feature of the Ballygowan site is that the rock marks do not overlap, which has led Historic Scotland to speculate that there were carved over a relatively short time span, unlike similar sites further south where carvings obviously intersect and overlap.
Another interesting thing about this site is that the carvings seem to be clustered in the centre of the rock face, leaving plenty of space around the edges.
About Ballygowan Cup and Ring Marks
Address: Kilmartin,
Kilmartin Glen,
Argyll and Bute,
Scotland
Attraction Type: Prehistoric Site
Location: 1 mile south west of Kilmartin, off the A816. Follow the trail from Stockavullin.
Website: Ballygowan Cup and Ring Marks
Historic Scotland
Location map
OS: NR816 978
Photo Credit: Patrick Mackie, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence
Opening Details: Open access site, usually accessible at any reasonable time
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HERITAGE
We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions and learn more about major time periods mentioned.
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Bronze Age (Architecture) -
NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest
Temple Wood Stone Circles - 0.6 miles (Prehistoric Site) 
Ri Cruin Cairn - 0.7 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Nether Largie Standing Stones - 0.7 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Nether Largie Cairns - 0.9 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Baluachraig Cup and Ring Marks - 1.1 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Glebe Cairn - 1.2 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Dunchraigaig Cairn - 1.2 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Ballymeanoch Stone Row - 1.4 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Nearest Holiday Cottages to Ballygowan Cup and Ring Marks:
Nearby accommodation is calculated 'as the crow flies' from Ballygowan Cup and Ring Marks. 'Nearest' may involve a long drive up and down glens or, if you are near the coast, may include a ferry ride! Please check the property map to make sure the location is right for you.
Lochgilphead, Strathclyde
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £475 - 828
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