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On the SE approach to the summit of Croagh Patrick. This penitential station/cairn is named ‘Leacht Mionnain’ on the 1838 and 1920 OS 6-inch maps, but is also known as Leacht Benen. It is the first station on the route of the traditional pilgrimage on Croagh Patrick. It consists of a low heap of stones. A cairn (MA087-046001-) is located 85m to E.
The 1838 OS Letters record that ‘The Pilgrim begins his Prayer at the heap of stones situated at the east base of that part of the mountain which rises up in the form of a cone…This heap is called Leacht Mionnain, or more properly Leacht Benain, i.e. the Monument of Saint Benignus …At this Leacht or Penitential Monument the Pilgrim repeats seven Paters, seven Aves and one Creed, and walks around the Leacht seven times…’ (O’Flanagan 1927, 239 (494-5)).
Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy
Date of upload: 19 March 2020
The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.