While it may possibly be true that the small size indicates reduced resources available to their builders, this survey makes it clear that there was no degradation in their astronomical ability. In fact it could be argued that this is an early example of the miniaturisation that comes with advanced craftsmanship.
Some of these circles are not exactly circular. They only have one side-stone to each side and so the specific position, shape and orientation of each stone takes on more importance. Just as with their larger cousins the Multiple Stone Circles, variations in height, spacing etc. may be used to indicate secondary axes or other zones of interest on the horizon. Two known examples have radially set portals.
This sample represents about 42% of the known total at time of writing.
All stone circles of the Cork-Kerry type are known as axial stone circles and always have an odd number of stones.
The axial stone is usually in the south-west quadrant and is normally the lowest, widest stone. Opposite the axial stone are a pair of portals and these are usually the tallest stones of the circle.
The axis thus defined may be astronomically bi-directional or uni-directional in either direction. Stone circles of broadly similar type occur in North-East Scotland where they are known as Recumbent Stone Circles.