What is recorded here

Mistake and myth have smothered the truth, but the altar stood where worshippers gathered under Penal law. It is not a dolmen or chamber tomb, though those labels still cling to it. The real story is simpler and sharper: people risked everything to pray at that spot.

At this spot there was an altar where Mass was celebrated during the era of the Penal laws (Kinahan 1889). Its identifications as a 'dolmen' (Borlase 1897) and as a 'chamber tomb' (Killanin and Duignan 1962; 1967) are incorrect. Kinahan 1889, 280 (he incorrectly places this site on OS 6-inch sheet 35); Borlase 1897, 232, Kilmacrenan no. 16; Killanin and Duignan 1962, 373; Killanin and Duignan 1967, 374. The above description was published in the 'Survey of the Megalithic Tombs of Ireland. Volume VI, County Donegal.' Compiled by: Eamon Cody (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). Date of upload: 22 September 2008

This site is associated with clandestine Catholic worship during the Penal era in Ireland, when public celebration of Mass was forbidden. The structure has been variously interpreted as a dolmen, chamber tomb, and later as a holy or ritual site used for religious purposes.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.