Mass-rock in Oldboleys

Situated near the summit of a NW-SE ridge, one mile NE of Glencree. Two large rocks one of which displays a very weathered incised Greek cross with T-shaped terminals and the letters IHS'. (Information Kenneth Clear) According to O' Donovan (O'Flanagan 1928, 5) it was locally known as 'Castle Toole'. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 17 December 2008

Linked to clandestine Catholic worship during the Penal Times, the mass-rock tradition involved holding secret religious services in remote locations to avoid persecution. The incised Greek cross and IHS monogram suggest a 17th- or 18th-century date and reflect the devotion of local Catholics to their faith.