Altar in Achonry

On top of the penitential cairn (SL032-188007-) is a small square flat-topped structure (1.2m NW-SE; 1.2m NE-SW; H 0.3m at SW, 0.75m at NE) of drystone construction. It is built up on the NE side to compensate for the sloping ground. Erected on top of the structure is modern 'Celtic' cross, painted white, and in front of the cross is a horizontal slab providing a flat table-like surface. This structure appears to serve as a crude altar. According to local information, the well is dedicated to St. Finian and the traditional pattern day, which is still observed, is held on 15th August. This is part of the penitential station (see SL032-188007-). Compiled by: Archaeological Survey Unit, UCC with revisions by Patrick F. O'Donovan and Paul Walsh Date of upload: 20 June 2011

A small drystone altar structure on a penitential cairn in Achonry may be associated with early Christian penitential practices, possibly linked to Saint Cianán of Achonry, a 6th-century monastic founder. Such altars were often used in ritual or devotional contexts connected to pilgrimage and penance.