What is recorded here

Knockahorrea East holds a mass-rock marked by a Marian shrine and a red stain that tradition claims came from a priest killed during the penal times. The rock sits just across the river from Rockchapel, preserving a violent act of worship in its surface.

Mass rock recorded by McCarthy (1991, 86) just across the river from Rockchapel and marked by a Marian shrine. McCarthy (ibid.) noted 'a red stain on the Mass-rock and tradition has it that a priest was killed here in the penal times while offering Mass at the rock'. Exact location not known. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

The Mass-rock in Knockahorrea East is associated with Catholic worship during the Penal Times, when celebrating Mass was illegal. Local tradition claims a priest was killed there, and a red stain on the rock is said to mark the site of his death, linked to Marian devotion.

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