What is recorded here

Tony Miller found the small sandstone block on the west side of the Beach altar in February 2012. Religious objects already occupied its shallow bowl, tying the ordinary stone to the shrine before anyone measured it.

This was reported by archaeologist Tony Miller in Feb. 2012. He noted that 'on a recent visit to the Mass Rock and Holy Well (CO118-020--) at Beach, Bantry, I noticed a small bullaun stone standing on the west side of the altar. It is an integral part of the shrine and has a few religious objects placed within the bowl. It is a small, sub-rectangular block of sandstone (0.33m L by 0.25m W and 0.15m T). The bowl is in one of the smaller sides and measures 0.13m X 0.1m X 0.08m in depth.'

Likely dating to the early Christian period, the bullaun stone was probably used for ritual purposes, such as the anointing of the sick or as part of ecclesiastical ceremonies. It is associated with the nearby Mass Rock and Holy Well, suggesting a site of spiritual or pilgrimage significance.

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