Mass-rock in Lismire

McCarthy (1991, 86) noted that Mass was once celebrated in Lismire wood; nearby is a narrow trench called 'Clais an Aifrinn', on the land of J.J. Quinn, close to which a large rock was recently discovered 'which may have been the Mass rock itself' (ibid.). 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

A mass-rock associated with the celebration of Catholic Mass during times of religious persecution; such sites were often linked to local saints and used for secret worship. The nearby trench, 'Clais an Aifrinn,' may indicate ritual or ceremonial activity connected to the site.