Mass-rock in Glanalin

In rough pasture interspersed with heather and gorse and occasional outcropping rock, on a N-facing slope overlooking Bantry Bay. This mass-rock, which comprises a cuboid-shaped stone slab (2.5m E-W; 1.2m N-S; H 0.75m), lies at the foot of the N face of E-W outcropping rock. An inscribed stone, lying beside the mass-rock, commemorates the site and records that mass was again celebrated on the 17th of May 2000. A series of white poles marks a path through the hillside from the nearby road. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 5' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). Date of upload: 22 December 2009

Linked to the tradition of Catholic worship during the Penal Times, this mass-rock was used as a clandestine site for celebrating Mass. Such stones were often chosen for their prominent positions and natural shelter, allowing communities to practice their faith in secret.