README file About the data set * Ireland’s Mass Rocks. * Hilary Bishop, LJMU, Orchid: 0000 0001 5044 9314 * Liverpool John Moores University * Hilary Bishop * 2013 to date Description * Known in Irish as Carraig an Aifrinn, Mass Rocks have their origins in Penal times (1695 to 1756) when the Catholic faith was proscribed in Ireland. Whilst the Penal Laws managed to limit the public expression of Catholicism, they did not ensure the elimination of the Catholic faith or result in the mass conversion of Catholics (Bartlett 1990, 2). Despite Mass Houses being closed and chapels appropriated by Protestant authorities, Mass continued to be celebrated secretively in barns, out-houses, and hidden private chapels. It was frequently celebrated under trees and bushes, in ditches and in the open air at altars known as Mass Rocks situated in fields, glens, and on mountain sides. Mass Rocks played a crucial role in maintaining Catholic identity and ensuring the survival of the Catholic faith. In order to remain hidden, Mass Rocks are often located in remote or inaccessible places. Many are situated on private land, overgrown and difficult to access so this data set provides a series of images taken during the researcher’s field research in Ireland. Citations for publications: Bishop, H.J. (2023) ‘The History and Heritage of Mass Rocks with particular reference to West Cork’, Skibbereen Historical Journal, 19, pp. 36-62. Bishop, H.J. (2018) ‘Legend and Memory? Recollections of Penal Times in Irish Folklore’, Folkore, vol. 129, no. 1, pp. 18-38. DOI 10.1080/0015587X.2017.1388006. Bishop H.J. (2016) ‘Mass Sites of Uíbh Laoghaire’, Journal of Cork Historical and Archaeological Society 121, 36-63. Bishop, H.J. (2015) ‘Classifications of Sacred Space: A new understanding of Mass Rock sites in Ireland’, International Journal of Historical Archaeology. DOI 10.1007/s10761-015-0326-1 available as e-print. Bishop, H.J. (2014) ‘Spatial distribution and location of Catholic Mass Rock Sites in the Diocese of Cork and Ross, County Cork, Ireland’, Geographies of Religions and Belief Systems 4 (1), 40-78. How to cite this Dataset Copy Bishop, Hilary (2026) Ireland’s Mass Rocks. [Data Collection] https://doi.org/10.24377/LJMU.d.00000260 Contact details * H.j.bishop@ljmu.ac.uk * www.findamassrock.com Terms of use Deed - Attribution 4.0 International - Creative Commons Project and funding information 2010 Postgraduate Bursary supporting PhD research in County Cork, awarded by British Association of Irish Studies 2014 Research Grant supporting research in County Cork, awarded by Cork Historical and Archaeological Society 2014 Research Grant supporting research in County Cork, awarded by Royal Geographical Society (Dudley Stamp Memorial Award) Contents Ballingeary Mass Rock, County Cork, Republic of Ireland    Situated on private land at an elevation of 344m, up in the mountains of Uibh Laoire, this Mass Rock is very difficult to access. Known as Cum an tSagairt or the Hollow of the Priest, it consists of a large irregularly shaped sandstone boulder. It has been particularly well weathered and its geological make up appears different to other rocks in the vicinity.   The Mass Rock is shaped like the prow of a ship and measures 2.3m in length. Its height ranges from 0.65m to 1.55m and the boulder is orientated on a NE-SW axis.   There is a large natural hollow on either side of the Mass Rock, and it is believed that the priest used to place the candles in these hollows during Mass. A modern-day cross has now been erected on top of the monument by the landowner as a memorial to its use.. Beach Mass Rock, County Cork, Republic of Ireland The Mass Rock site is accessed through fields and forms part of the Lady’s Well and Airstrip Loop walk which is one of the heritage walks through Bantry and published as a series of looped walks for the area by An Chomhairle Oidhreacta (The Heritage Council 2010). The route is relatively well sign posted and the Mass Rock site is located near marker post number fifteen.   A complex but beautiful site consisting of a man-made altar built at the base of a large outcrop of limestone and situated within a secluded hollow. The Mass Rock sits adjacent to a Holy Well and there is a large statue of the Virgin Mary on top of the limestone rock facing out across Bantry Bay. This statue is approached via 40 steps to the east of the site.   The north facing altar measures 2.3m wide and almost 1m high. There is a further shelf 0.4m above the altar. It was decorated with many statues and other votive offerings at the time of the visit. It is often decked with flowers during the Feast of the Assumption and rounds take place at the site. There have been healings attached to the Holy Well. Folklore surrounds this site. The Kilmacamogue Schools' Manuscript Collection, part of the National Folklore Collection held at University College Dublin, advises that ‘in olden times it is said that Our Lady used to be seen here’ (S281:56). Another entry reports that ‘sometimes people are cured of diseases by making rounds at the well and by drinking the water out of it. When people go to the well they always leave some token there such as Rosary Beads, medals, prayer books or a coin. There are many crutches and sticks placed around the well, those were left there by the people who had been cured by praying and drinking the water in the well’ (S281:55-56). ? Co-ordinates: 51° 40’ 12.01’’ N -9° 29’ 23.98’’ W Cluide Mass Rock, County Galway, Republic of Ireland This site is located on private land and was identified from Higgins’ (1990) publication The White Canons, Abbeytown Cill-na-Manach. A History of the Monastery of The White Canons and Other Historical Places in the District of Maigh Seola. Galway: Crowsrock Press (Higgins 1990, 93). ? Curraheen Mass Rock, County Cork, Republic of Ireland The Mass rock sits in a secluded rock hollow set back from the roadside close to the village of Inchigeelagh at an elevation of 102.67m above sea level. This is one of the most picturesque and well-maintained sites as well as one of the most accessible and well signposted. It is situated on the southern scenic cycle route out of Inchigeelagh.   The base of the Mass rock is made up of individual stones which form a plinth upon which a large flat stone sits. On top of this stone, raised by two pillar stones sits another flat slab so that a small box like structure is formed. A small cross has been etched into the lower slab and at the time of the visit a Penal cross had been placed in the cavity of the box and flowers had been placed on the top slab. A plaque at the site reads "Altar of Penal Times - Mass was said here 1640-1800". ?   Co-ordinates: 51° 49’ 55.20’’ N -9° 8’ 1.50’’ W Glenville Mass Rock, County Cork, Republic of Ireland This Mass Rock site, situated in the parish of Watergrasshill, is easily accessible and very picturesque. To the north of the site, adjacent to the roadside, there is a sign mapping a Famine Walk which runs through the area. This map identifies both the Mass Rock site and a Holy Well in the area.   The Rock is west facing and is situated in a gallery wood on the eastern side of the river Bride. It is reached by crossing over a small bridge which spans the river. Evidence suggests that the river occasionally swells to reach the foot of the Mass Rock. Votive offerings had been left on the Mass Rock altar including metal crosses, candle holders and rosary beads. Crosses had been etched into the rock face. A plaque to the north of a large metal cross read: ‘bíod Aifreann dá léamh anso in aimsir na bPéin duthe. In Penal days Mass was offered here’. Although situated in the townland of Chimneyfield, the Mass Rock is known locally as the Glenville Mass Rock and Mass was most recently celebrated at the site for the Legion of Mary in 2010. Watergrasshill is the most northerly parish of the Diocese of Cork and Ross.   Co-ordinates:  52° 3’ 49.49’’ N  -8° 27’ 41.44’’ W Gortnahoughtee Mass Rock, County Cork, Republic of Ireland   Whilst situated on private farmland, this site is fully visible from the roadside and is located in the parish of Uibh Laoire. The Mass Rock consists of a huge outcrop of rock that resembles the shape of a chapel. It is known locally as ‘Carraig an tSeipeil’ meaning ‘chapel rock’ or ‘rock of the chapel’. A wind break had been constructed at the site, probably to shelter the priest and his congregation in Penal times. The altar is composed of a long narrow natural shelf which runs the length of the Mass Rock. It is possible that a dressed stone, to the west of the Mass Rock, was used atop the ledge as an altar stone. This measured 1.8m in length and was flat topped. Co-ordinates: 51° 48’ 6.9’’ N  -9° 9’ 40.6’’ W Keem Bay, County Mayo, Republic of Ireland Theresa McDonald makes reference to this Mass rock in her book Achill Island. Archaeology, History, Folklore published by IAS Publications in 2006.   According to McDonald (2006) the present penal altar is a modern construction. The site sits in an elevated position above the coast guard station and is protected from view by the steep mountains that surround it. The Mass rock is east facing. The east side of the 1m high cairn is convex but the west side is flat. The cross is placed centrally on top of the cairn and measures 43cm in height. Coordinates: 53° 58' 12.18" N -10° 11' 44.56" W Toormore, County Cork, Republic of Ireland This is an example of an earlier archaeological monument being used as a Mass Rock. The wedge tomb is situated on the coast at Toormore Strand in the parish of Schull and is easily accessible.    Co-ordinates: 51° 30’ 49.54’’ N  -9° 38’ 38.36’’ W Knocknacarry Mass Rock, County Antrim, Northern Ireland Situated close to Cregagh Wood, Glendun Road, Cushendun, this Mass Rock has a very unusual feature stone at the back of the altar. The oval carved stone features an image of Christ crucified and an angel. According to Garrett (1956) the stone was brought from Scotland during the Penal era (1695-1756). She says that prior to the altar being built the locals met at the oak tree behind the altar and worshipped in the woods. [Garrett, R. (1956) Cushendun, and the Glens of Antrim. Ballycastle, J.S. Scarlett & Son] We parked in the car park that belongs to St Patrick’s Church, just down the road, which is home to the very interesting Fuldiew Stone. ? The Mass site is visible from the road but please make sure you ask for the landowner’s permission before accessing the site.   Mass Rock Co-ordinates: N 55° 07'17.23", W -6° 04' 14.05"   It is likely that the local Priest had to seek shelter locally and there is a Priest Hole in Cregagh Wood which would have sheltered the priest if he was pursued. This is situated (not on private land) along the Cregagh Wood trail.   Priest's Hole Co-ordinates (approx): N 55° 07'17.45", W -6° 04'26.38" Ballyholland Mass Rock, County Down, Northern Ireland The Mass Rock is well signposted just off Bettys Hill Road and is situated on Mass Rock Lane in Ballyholland. Mass is celebrated annually on the last Sunday in June at this site.   To watch Mass at the Mass Rock and to learn more about the history of the site please visit: ? https://www.ewtnireland.com/mass-rock-ballyholland-newry-ewtn-ireland/ ? https://www.newrycathedralparish.org/2021/06/27/video-mass-rock/ Methods Co-ordinates were recorded using Garmin eTrex 20x Outdoor handheld GPS Unit Digital Images were taken using Pentax Digital SLR Camera 2025