Penitential station in Ballycrovane

On rock outcrop overlooking Ballydonegan Harbour to W. Kilcatherine church and graveyard (CO102-00501-; CO102-00502-) c. 1.75km to W. Subcircular area (diam. 2.5m) defined by low stones where devotion to St. Catherine was paid on January 31st. Decades of rosary were counted on small quartz pebbles which still remain, thrown into centre of area. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

Linked to devotion to St. Catherine, this site reflects a tradition of pilgrimage and penitential practices associated with the saint, who is venerated in Ireland for her miracles and protection against illness. St. Catherine is often connected with holy wells and stations where locals sought cures, particularly for eye ailments and female disorders.