Sundial

The National Monuments Service's description

This record was listed as 'Medieval mass dial' in the RMP (1997). Medieval sundial described by M. L. Harley as follows; 'There is an ancient scratch dial, about 150mm diameter, in the south wall of the old 13th century church at Cloghane [KE035-025----]' (https://www.sundials-ireland.com/amedieval/medcloghane.htm).

In 2010 a graveyard survey carried out by Laurence Dunne recorded the following details about the sundial on the S wall of Cloghane Church (KE035-025----): 'a tiny medieval sundial or more correctly a mass-dial (10.5cm x 5.5cm) on the exterior south elevation. These hemispherical sundials, also known as scratch dials, are practically unknown in Ireland and its discovery in Cloghane makes it the most westerly mass-dial in Europe. The dial is lightly incised or scratched on the end of a long rubble stone close to the south window. It consists of eight lines radiating from a central style hole or socket into which the user places a style or gnomon. When the gnomon is inserted it forms a right angle with the dial and a shadow is cast from the projecting gnomon which gives the time. These medieval scratch dials are a common feature in England where thousands have been recorded but only a few are known from Scotland, Wales and Ireland. They were used, as the name suggests, by the priest to determine the time for mass. This virtually unique Irish mass-dial is a mere 0.6m above the grave (712) of the Deady family and is constantly under pressure of concealment by dense ivy' (Dunne 2010, 10).

See attached plan of church and photograph courtesy of Laurence Dunne

See attached photograph courtesy of M. L. Harley

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload: 27 May 2022

References

Dunne, L. 2010 Archaeological Survey, Cloghane, Dingle Peninsula, Co. Kerry. Unpublished report for The Heritage Office, Kerry County Council (SMR file).