Illane: Five Stone Circle (& Cairn) CO092-016001,2

South is on a hump at the end of a ridge and to the left of a dip [Pic].

North is on a slope, a bit to the right of a dip [Pic].

See how the lunisticesLunistices are the most northerly and southerly moons of the month. The lunar equivalent of solstices - more. span particularly useful segments of the horizon. To the west, summer solstice sunset is on the highest top and summer cross-quarter / solstice mid­point is on the second highest top. To the east, winter cross-quarter / solstice mid­point is in a significant dip and winter solstice sunrise is also in a dip.

To the north-east, the axis of this circle points well beyond the most extreme lunar position. The lunisticeLunistices are the most northerly and southerly moons of the month. The lunar equivalent of solstices - more. range starts at a basal step, the mid­point is at another and it ends at a third. The solstice is just on the upslope after its half-month bracket and the half-month bracket for the cross-quarter has a prominent position on the north slope of Shehy Beag.

The cairn is 5.5m east of the circle, just in front of a gorse bush.

Note: This picture looks along the circle's axis but the horizon is still set as if it were being viewed from inside the circle.

Eastwards, the cross quarter's other half-month bracket is on the north slope of Nowen Hill. Then the whole equi­noctial sequence occupies a long ridge with the equinox itself at a small dip in the middle.

Following on from there, another long ridge starts the winter cross quarter sequence with everything falling nicely into place.

The south-east lunisticeLunistices are the most northerly and southerly moons of the month. The lunar equivalent of solstices - more. range starts at a dip/step but its the winter solstice that occurs at the next one. The major eighth is at a prominent step and then the sequence ends at a dip and hump.

The south-western axis of the circle indicates very local ground in the general direction of the major side of the lunisticeLunistices are the most northerly and southerly moons of the month. The lunar equivalent of solstices - more. range but gorse prevents accurate survey there and small movements would make a significant difference.

Markers for the month centred on the cross-quarter may be found on local ground and the far ridge.

Note: This picture looks along the circle's axis but the horizon is still set as if it were being viewed from inside the circle.

The most striking horizon is to the west & north-west and it provides numerous useful markers.

After a short sequence on some more distant hills, the month centered on the equinox occupies the nearer hillslope. The equinox / cross-quarter mid­point is on the summit and the cross-quarter at the north base.

The final solar sequence from the cross quarter to the solstice runs nicely up a a further hilltop. The whole lunisticeLunistices are the most northerly and southerly moons of the month. The lunar equivalent of solstices - more. range runs from just before a dip to just after one, with the major eighth featuring prominently.

• Maughanasilly Stone Row is 1.0km south (190°)
• Kealkill Five Stone Circle, Stone Pair & Cairn are 4.0km south (167°)
• Mill Little Five Stone Circle, Boulder-Burials & Stone Pair are 6.5km west (278°)

Technical Notes | Top

• Archaeological Survey of Ireland, record details. www.archaeology.ie/archaeological-survey-ireland
• Ó'NUALLÁIN, SEÁN 1975 The Stone Circle Complex of Cork and Kerry. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 105:83-131, no.69.
• Ó'NUALLÁIN, SEÁN 1984 A Survey of Stone Circles in Cork and Kerry. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 84c:1-77, p39, no.78.
• POWER, D. et al. 1992 Archaeological Inventory of County Cork, Volume 1: West Cork. Dublin: Stationary Office. p24:no.75, p101,no.846.