Mass-rock in Walterstown

Plaque erected September 1863, next to cliff face at East Ferry, overlooking Ballynacorra river to E. According to inscription plaque marks 'the traditional site of the mass cave where the Holy Sacrifice was offered during the Penal period'. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

This mass-rock is associated with the tradition of clandestine Catholic worship during the period of religious persecution in Ireland, particularly following the Reformation. The site reflects the broader history of underground Catholic practice, where priests celebrated Mass in secret to avoid penal laws.