What is recorded here

Ballycollin Mass-rock stands half-swallowed by earth at the top of a hollow beside Tobernapearla Holy Wells, a buried altar where worship once defied prohibition. Its massive stone, two and a half metres high but mostly hidden, suggests human hands shaped or revealed it rather than nature alone. The proximity to holy wells and risky heritage status creates a place where sacred water, hidden stone and local memory still collide.

Mass-rock in the townland of Ballycollin that is listed in the report 'Offaly Heritage at Risk' (Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society 1978, 61). Situated in a large natural hollow close to Tobernapearla Holy Wells (OF030-017----). The rock itself lies near the top of the NW slope of the hollow. The stone (L 1.5m ; Wth 2m; H 2.5m) is mostly buried. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

Linked to the Catholic tradition of clandestine worship during the Penal Times, the Mass-rock in Ballycollin was used for secret Masses when the practice of Catholicism was suppressed. Its proximity to Tobernapearla Holy Well suggests a possible spiritual or ritual connection between the two sites.

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