Penal Mass station in Vilanstown

Information panel inside W porch of R. C. church at Gainestown mentioned the presence of a mass-bush in the townland of Vilanstown. According to the information panel 'during the 18th century mass was celebrated at the mass-bush at Vilanstown. This site is located close to an earlier monastic settlement. In 1936 a memorial was placed at the site'. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 27 August 2018

Penal Mass stations like the one in Vilanstown were used during the 18th century when Catholic worship was suppressed in Ireland, and priests celebrated Mass in secret locations to avoid persecution. The mass-bush at Vilanstown would have been a discreet meeting place for the local Catholic community to practice their faith.