Mass-rock in Glanatnaw

In rough NE-facing hill pasture, at the base of a cliff, to the NE of the summit of Glanatnaw Hill. A natural rock shelf (L c. 3m; Wth c. 1m; max. H 1.5m) at the lower NW end of the cliff is known locally as a mass-rock. The mass-rock is largely obscured by heather, however, a narrow ledge on its SE side provides access to the upper surface. An area of coniferous trees are situated immediately to the NE. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 5' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2009). Date of upload: 22 December 2009

A mass-rock used clandestinely for Catholic worship during periods of religious persecution; such sites were often hidden in remote locations to avoid detection by authorities. The rock's position on a hillside reflects the tradition of holding Mass in elevated, discreet places.