Sundial

The National Monuments Service's description

National monument in state guardianship No. 185. Askeaton Friary described in the Urban Survey (Bradley et. al. 1989, 76-83) as following: 'The first documentary mention of this friary occurs in 1400 when it is referred to as Inysgebryny, i.e. Inis Geightine (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 242). Its founder was probably Gerald, the 4th earl of Desmond. The friary survived the Dissolution and a provincial chapter was held here in 1564. During the Desmond Wars the friary was captured by Nicholas Malby and the friars were expelled. The exact date for this expulsion is unclear but it is variously given as 1579 and 1581 (ibid.).

Medieval sundial identified by Brian Thomas McElherron who described this feature as; 'carved on the cill of one of the north range cloister openings at the Franciscan Friary [LI011-092006-] at Askeaton. It has a deep hole for a gnomon and 24 hour lines subdivided into half hours'.

See attached photograph taken by Brian T McElherron

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload: 27 May 2022

References

Bradley, J., Halpin, A., and King, H.A. 1989 Urban archaeological survey - county Limerick (3 vols.). Unpublished report commissioned by the Office of Public Works, Dublin.

Gwynn, A. and Hadcock, R.N. 1970 (Reprint 1988) Medieval religious houses of Ireland. Dublin. Irish Academic Press.