Sundial

The National Monuments Service's description

National Monument No. 65. The Early Christian and Medieval ecclesiastical complex at Kilmalkedar (KE042-026----) lies at the foot of the W slopes of Reenconnell hill, overlooking Smerwick Harbour. The Reenconnell ridge peaks at 907 feet/276m to NE of the site and the area around Kilmalkedar is sheltered on its N and S sides by spurs of this hill.
(2) (KE042-026002-) Sundial Fig. 183: Standing at present at the W edge of the graveyard, this monument previously acted as a headstone to a modern grave and was moved at least once before reaching its present position (Atkinson 1887, 247). The stone socket in which it stands was partly revealed during OPW work at the site in 1982 but has now been reburied. The pillar stands 1.23m high and both the roughly semi-circular head and rectangular shaft are dressed to a smooth finish.
The upper part of the SE face is divided into 4 roughly equal sectors by paired or triple lines which radiate out from the outer of 2 inscribed circles which enclose the gnomon hole. These radiating lines terminate at 5 outline semi-circles and the entire design is framed by a semi-circular groove which follows the outline of the stone. The shaft on this SE side is also bordered by an inscribed line, and 2 lines which run vertically down the centre of the shaft terminate at each end with a fret motif. The NW face of the shaft has a similar, though not identical design. The upper part of the NW face is occupied by an asymmetrical design consisting of intersecting arcs of circles which basically form a cross of arcs. The upper and lower arms are infilled with outline triangles and the angles between the arms with outline motifs of varying form: the upper right angle contains 2 pointed concentric ovals, the upper left contains a spiralled oval and the lower angles are occupied by rounded triangles. As on the SE face, the entire design is framed by an inscribed semi-circle which follows the outline of the stone. Both the shaft and upper part of the NE side of the stone are framed by an inscribed line. The SW side is similarily divided into 2 panels but here the lines terminate above and below the junction of head and shaft in a pair of opposed fret designs.

To see a 3D model of this monument, visit; https://skfb.ly/6opYv

See attached line drawing taken from Cuggape 1986, fig. 183.

See attached photograph courtesy of Amanda Clarke

The above description is derived from J. Cuppage, ‘Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne’ (1986), no. 855. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload: 8 August 2013

References

Cuppage, J. 1986 Corca Dhuibhne. Dingle Peninsula archaeological survey. Ballyferriter. Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne.

Atkinson, G.M. 1887 Description of Antiquities under the Conservation of the Board of Public Works, Ireland. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 18, 249-53.