Mass-rock in Sranagarvanagh

Located on a S and SW-facing slope overlooking Lough Allen. A triangular block of local stone (dims 2.6m x 1.9m; T 0.4m) is supported by the hillslope at N and by a single low stone pier (H 0.7m). This is traditionally thought to have been used by Franciscan friars for the celebration of mass in the 17th or 18th century, and it is known as Clogh na hAltora – the altar-stone (Clancy and Forde 1980, 31-2). It was restored in the 1980s. The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Leitrim' compiled by Michael J. Moore (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2003). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 23 September 2008

This mass-rock is associated with the tradition of clandestine Catholic worship during the period of religious persecution in Ireland, particularly under Penal Laws. It is linked to Saint Patrick or local itinerant priests who celebrated Mass in secret, and such sites were often protected by local folklore and community devotion.