Mass-rock in Gorteen (fartullagh By.)

Information panel inside W porch of R. C. church at Gainestown located 940m to E mentioned the presence of a mass-rock in the adjoining townland of Gorteen. According to the information panel 'mass was celebrated by the Dominican priests who fled Mullingar town and resided at a house of refuge on the shores of nearby Lough Ennell'. Large earthfast rock outcrop (dims. Wth 4.8-5.1m; T 3.1-3.6m; H 2.1-4.1m) with broad flat face orientated to the SE set into SE facing slope of low ridge in undulating rocky grassland. Small pond located 100m to NNE, ringfort (WM026-030----) with adjoining 19th century cottage 260m to SE. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 29 August 2018

A mass-rock in Gorteen, traditionally used for the secret celebration of Catholic Mass during periods of religious persecution in Ireland. Such sites were often associated with local saints or priests and became focal points of faith and resistance.