Mass-rock in Newtown (clonbeg Par.)

In young forestry, interspersed with heathers, in a small rectangular clearing of Ballynacarty Wood, on a S-facing slope. Superb views to the Galtee Mountains to the N and along the Glen of Aherlow to the E and W. Located within a small rectangular area defined by two courses of drystone walling. A large conglomerate stone (L 3m; Wth 1.75m; H 1.8m) with a rectangular area of roughly coursed stones to the immediate W. These support a flat stone (L 1.6m; Wth 1.2m; T 0.15m) which appears to serve as the altar. There is a small rectangular stone (L 0.25m; Wth 0.2m; T 0.1m) with a depression in the centre on top of the altar, this stone may have served as a stoup and presently contains copper coins. It is known locally as a mass rock. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 26 August 2011