Penal Mass station in Drummans Lower

Situated on a low hillock (diam. of base c. 50m; H c. 2m) on the W bank of the Owengar river just as it enters the NE corner of Lough Alllen. This is an overgrown hillock where Mass was celebrated in a 'seal foscaidh' or wicker shelter. (Gallogly 1993-4, 433) 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

Penal Mass stations were used in secret by Catholic priests during periods of religious persecution in Ireland, particularly following the Reformation. This site reflects the clandestine worship practices that persisted in rural areas, often associated with local saints or traditions of resistance and faith.