Altar in Cahergal (headford Ed.)

Within SW quadrant of an enclosure (GA055-025001-). A rectangular drystone-built structure (NNW-SSE; L 1.7m, Wth 0.6m, H 1.05m) capped by two large flat slabs. According to local information, it was used to celebrate mass in penal times. To NE of the enclosure, there is a large natural boulder (GA055-025004-) which was used as a lookout post while mass was being celebrated. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. II - North Galway'. Compiled by Olive Alcock, Kathy de hÓra and Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999). Date of upload: 05 August 2010

A small drystone altar within a prehistoric enclosure, possibly linked to early Christian or folk religious practices; local tradition suggests it was used for Mass, indicating a possible site of clandestine worship during periods of religious suppression in Ireland.