Penal Mass station in Gortnagarn

On the E bank of a N-S stream at the bottom of a steep W-facing slope in mixed woodland. Known locally as a place where Mass was celebrated, but there is no evidence of a mass-rock. (Gallogly 1999, 400) 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 like Gortnagarn were historically used for the celebration of Catholic Mass in secret during periods of religious persecution in Ireland. While no mass-rock is present at this site, such locations were often associated with local saints or traditions of resistance and faith.