Mass Rocks stand scattered around the Irish countryside in out-of-the way, difficult-to-find places, their secretive locations chosen with a purpose.
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Penal Laws in Ireland
When the Penal Laws were enacted in 1695 making it illegal for Irish Catholics to practice their faith, they took to the hills and the mountains, to the forests and the caves in search of secretive spaces to gather and pray.
They found hidden places with a large rock that could be used as an altar, and usually surrounded by high ground, where look-outs could be posted to watch for approaching danger.
In today's blog post I'm going to take you on a little video tour of one of these old Mass Rock sites located near Glenville, County Cork.
For me, Mass Rocks are important historical monuments where we can experience a tangible link to our past, and further our understanding of our unique Irish heritage. Mass Rock sites are places with deep spiritual ties for Irish people.
In the Irish language they are known as Carraig an Aifrinn (pronounced phonetically as Kar-rig on Aff-rin). This literally means Rock of the Mass.
The Mass Rock In The Glen
Tony Kennedy is a film maker who shares his work on his YouTube channel, Rural Cork. He visits villages and places of North Cork meeting locals and having little chats, and sing songs, all the while uncovering the friendly warmth and welcome of Irish country life.
Recently Tony sent me a link for a video he recorded about the Mass Rock in Glenville, County Cork. This beautiful film resonated deeply with me, and I just knew I had to share it with you.
As I watched I immediately connected with the deep spiritual essence resonating within this sacred space.
Local historian Norma Buckley recounts the cultural significance of Glenville Mass Rock, and recalls the deep faith of the local people spanning the centuries. The haunting tones of Megan O'Mahony of Ceoltóirí Sliabh Luachra echoes beautifully as the background music.
This ancient Mass Rock lies three miles from Glenville village and sixteen miles north of Cork City. Here are the map coordinates for this serene spot ..... 52° 3’ 49.49’’ N -8° 27’ 41.44’’ W
A big thank you to Tony for giving me permission to share his work with you.
The Mass Rock Of My Childhood
Many of Ireland's Mass Rocks are difficult to find and lie on private lands. There is an old Mass Rock near where my mother grew up in West Cork, but it is on a farm in a very inaccessible place. I remember going to see it with my granny when I was a little girl.
She told me stories of sentinels standing on a rocky outcrop as Mass was being said. Their eyes scanned the countryside for approaching English soldiers, the people ready to scatter across the fields, scurrying their priest to safety.
Granny was a masterful storyteller, her words painting a vivid picture of these clandestine meetings. I could nearly hear the echoing hooves of approaching horsemen, as I listened to her tale.
Mass Rock In Kildorrery
When I told my father I was going to write about the Mass Rock in Glenville, he replied ....
"Sure we have a Mass Rock in Kildorrery too."
If I had only known I would have visited long ago, but I suppose I never listened closely to family stories when I was young and foolish.
Next time I'm in North Cork, I'll definitely visit the Farahy Mass Rock and take some photos. It's very close to my family's farm.
Sacred Spaces of Ireland
And so I hope you enjoyed this little introduction to Ireland's Mass Rocks.
By their very design Mass Rock sites are usually in secretive places, and are extremely difficult to find. They definitely are not on the well beaten tourist trail.
If any readers have stories of Mass Rocks we would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave a comment and join in a little discussion about these thin places or sacred spaces of Ireland.
I have heard that some Mass Rocks are used to this very day. Gathering together to pray in these holy places is a wonderful way to commemorate our ancestors.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Here are some other posts you might find interesting.
Therese
One more reason to go back to Ireland! So much that I did not get to see or do during our first trip. If anyone can suggest a location in Kerry, I would love to know about it.
Irish American Mom
Hi Therese - Very few of Ireland's mass rocks are easily accessible since they were in very secluded sites. But I believe there is a Mass Rock in Bonane, County Kerry that can be visited. Here is a link with some information about it ...
http://bonane.com/attraction/mass-rock
I hope this helps if you are ever planning another trip to Ireland.
All the best, and thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad
Lou Judson
OmiGoddess, I though it was the pagans who were persecuted by the Christians! So much I don't know, being a whitebrread American. My Neo-Pagan friends have given me the oimpression that the old religions werw the real ones, and the Christans the invaders. Time to catch up on a new aspect for Irish History! Now to check out the video...
Thanks for this.
Irish American Mom
Hi Lou - I hope you find this video interesting. Irish history is complicated with many different eras involved. Many times stories get a little muddled, but discovering new facts and stories of days gone by is always fascinating to me. Archaeological ruins and monuments are found all over the Irish countryside. I hope the next generations understand the significance and history of these sites and preserve them, before they get carried away with a desire to modernize our ancient land.
All the best,
Mairéad
Maureen O Hanlon
Thank you for sharing this Mairead, we have a Mass roch in Doneraile too where Mass is celebrated every year, Ive been there a few times , evening time around 7, its a lovely celebration alright, we used to take my Mother in law, its up high in Glenanarr mountain theres a mass rock sign to show where it is, the only thing is the midgets would eat you. 🙂
thanks for the memories, I have photos of it somewhere.
Best regards Maureen
Irish American Mom
Hi Maureen - I'll have to check out the Doneraile Mass Rock next time I'm down your way. I'm sure my father knows its location, since he was born in Glenanar. I can only imagine how the old midges would eat you alive on a summer's evening up on that beautiful hill surrounded by forestry.
My father says there's a photo of him at the Farahy Mass Rock somewhere, but who knows where it is. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Make sure you take your grandkids to see the Mass Rock someday, so they learn about their heritage. I'm trying to kindle an interest in history in my kids, but I'm not sure I'm succeeding. My boys are more interested in their gadgets, but I hope my ramblings will be filed somewhere in the back of their minds. In twenty years time they'll probably have chats trying to remember my old stories.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Maureen O Hanlon
Thank you Mairead, I attempted to take my 2 grandchildren a few years ago, and they got tired and fell a few times and so did I going over an old tree, they had a good laugh at me and even took a photo of me on the ground, we were also climbing up a hill of rubble and loose stones when again I came down and nearly flattened one of them, I never heard the end of it, I was lucky my son was also with me, but ill take them again. be sure and ask your Dad about the mass rock he surely knows where it is.
I know what you are talking about trying to tell old stories and history to the Children, my Mother used to be always telling me things about long ago, some things i took in and some I didnt, I regret to this day I didnt listen better and they are gone with her,
Best regards Maureen
Irish American Mom
Ah Maureen - my kids love to laugh when I fall head over heels. They bound over rocks like goats, and I have to pick my way carefully nowadays. My downfall is stepping in puddles. I usually end up with soaking wet feet.
Just like you regret not listening to your mother, I lament not listening more closely to my grannies. They both had many stories to tell, but when we're young, we pay little heed. Hopefully, this blog of mine will survive, so that my kids will have some kind of a record of my ramblings. There's method in my madness.
All the best, and have a lovely weekend.
Mairéad
brian@irelandfavorites
Hi Mairead, Two points, the first which drive many mad, is that faith is an important, living, life affirming thing, that many, throughout history and today, seek to destroy. The second is the relationship music has with history and storytelling, I really enjoyed the videos singing and harp play, the videos show the scene and the music shows the soul. I will say though that if all believed as I do there would be no one left to debate with,
Cheers,
Brian.
Irish American Mom
Hi Brian - I like how you say "faith is an important, living, life affirming thing." Unfortunately nowadays having faith is frowned upon by many, but just like our ancestors who have gone before us, I find great comfort in the "faith of our fathers." This little video is truly poignant. Thanks for stopping by, and sharing your insights. Always appreciated.
Mairéad
Maureen O Hanlon
Mairead there is a method to your madness alright 🙂 the beauty of the computer, you are right when we were young children those granny stories would go in one ear and out the other, i wish mine had stayed in my brain, its when I got older i realised how very important those stories were, Im always telling my children and grandchildren about my childhood years.
Regards Maureen
Irish American Mom
So true, Maureen. Oh to have recorded some of those granny stories.
All the best,
Mairéad
Deborah
I've heard the stories now I know where to look when I'm back in July! Thank you.
Irish American Mom
Hi Deborah - I'm so glad to share this information with you. This Mass Rock is more accessible than many, and can be visited.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
irishnannie
Oh, Mairead*, you had me cryin' my eyes out over this one...so moving! And your link to your Family Farm was so lovely with the accompanying verses/prose...I'm thinking you wrote all that...just beautiful!
Thank you so much for this tender trip across the pond...from the next Parish over!!!
Irish American Mom
Hi Irishannie - I too found this video to be very emotional. The seclusion and serenity of this holy place in Glenville was truly captured by the film maker, Tony Kennedy.
Glad you enjoyed my free verse about our family farm. I love being there.
Best wishes, and have a wonderful week.
Mairéad
Maury
I had the joy of visiting Ireland years ago, and I found it to be a profound experience. To me it felt as if the whole country was holy. I have never forgotten this incredible feeling I had there...as if simply being there was a prayer! Thank you for sharing such lovely things in your blog!
Irish American Mom
Hi Maury - I so understand what you mean when you say you felt as if the whole country was holy when you visited Ireland. I call the Emerald Isle my spiritual home. No matter where I wander in the world, every time I return to Ireland I feel a sacredness wherever I go which I find hard to describe. The ancient past echoes even in the midst of the city. Dublin's suburbs are full of old church ruins, some standing for over 1000 years.
On my blog, I love sharing the out-of-the-way, little known spots in Ireland, that are way off the beaten track and far from the madding crowd. I have heard these sacred spaces referred to as "Thin Places". It's a term we'll have to explore further someday.
All the best,
Mairéad
Maury
Hello again! Yes, that is the term for Ireland...sacred! So hard to explain, but so real! The land itself felt sacred. I felt almost like I could hug the earth there and she would hug me back! I felt that both times I visited Ireland. It was as if I had a direct connection to God there!!!! It was amazing! Better sign off...have a lovely night!
Irish American Mom
Maury - Thanks for sharing your beautiful personal experience of the sacredness of Ireland. It's nice to know I'm not the only one who feels that way.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Maury
Hi Mairead! I feel honored to have visited Ireland! It was one of the greatest blessings of my life. I am so happy to read about it in your blog...brings back such happy memories. Blessings on you and your family!
Irish American Mom
And do stop by my blog, Maury, anytime you need to feel connected to Ireland.
☘ 🙂 ☘ 🙂 ☘ 🙂
Mairéad
Ned Buckley
Hi,
This is a video of The Aherlow Mass Rock here in Tipperary
https://youtu.be/AjVQUtyB7pw
Irish American Mom
Hi Ned - thanks for sharing this link for your video, and for recording the history of these historical sites. It's so important to record the stories of our heritage for future generations.
All the best, and thanks for stopping by,
Mairéad
Cathal O Hagan
I found a massrock in my village in clare it was all moss and hidden in a mans field. By the lake where in penal times all Catholics were evicted and escaped with a whole graveyard of relatives overnight it was All briars it contains a cross and little stone hollow for holding chalice I exevated it and the Comitee but it back into the. Old church and graveyard destroyed by the cromwellians stationed at the local castle under orders of the priesthunter the priest using it fr Edward glissane was arrested in 1703 but freed early due to disease he died of soon after
Cathal O Hagan
It’s now used by the priest in the church ruin and graveyard
Cathal O Hagan
Our village also had Daniel o Connells massrock of which he stood to make speeches in ennis it was robbed in the 1920s by unknown and was abanded at our second and main lake cullane we had it 70 years it was returned to its place in the 1990s
Irish American Mom
Hi Cathal - It's good to learn that the Massrock was returned to its original place. So many of Ireland's ancient sites and memorials have been lost over the years, its heartening to hear of a positive outcome. Thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad
Irish American Mom
Hi Cathal - What an amazing find and how wonderful that your local committee was able to return it to the old church graveyard and fill in the missing pieces about its history. Knowing the name of Fr. Edward Glissane and his story is another added bonus. It's lovely to connect with readers who love Irish history, but it sounds like you not only love history, but you are actually out and about discovering Irish history. Well done!
All the best,
Mairéad
cullen
This is a great post and thank you very much for it. I often find myself turning to my ancestors, and what they did to sacrifice for their faith. I also feel they have a much clearer view on things, without all of the technology and other distractions we have today. Connecting with them strengthens my faith. Thank you.
Irish American Mom
Hi Cullen - Thank you for checking out this post. I too often wonder at the sacrifices our ancestors made to preserve their faith, and how dedicated they were to their beliefs. I worry that their stories are being forgotten in modern Ireland.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
adrian
Mass rocks may be needed again all round the world if the decay of the faith makes our churches unusable. i am of part Irish descent. i have been led today to information on mass rocks. Twenty years
ago i visited Ireland. I felt so at home. i had an amazing Marian conversion at a shrine in the Ring of Kerry overlooking the Skelligs. Ireland has been so bullied by evil men and women, but the faith in Ireland lives on that nourished me and mine.
Irish American Mom
Hi Adrian - Thank you for sharing your story about your conversion experience at a Marian Shrine in County Kerry. I find the history of Mass Rocks to be fascinating. When my children complain about going to Mass I tell them about Ireland's Mass rocks and how our ancestors risked their lives to be able to practice their faith. There once was a mass rock near where my mother grew up. There is a stone holy water font on the side of a rock with a cross etched into it. Thanks so much for stopping by.
All the best,
Mairéad
Jeanie
Thank you so much for your post. I'm traveling to Ireland with my family in June. I'm praying for their conversion while we are there! I'm looking for locations of any mass rocks we can visit. We will be in Dublin,wiklow mts,Belfast, Donegal, of course Knock, Galway,Kerry, and Cork. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks so much and God bless!
Irish American Mom
Hi Jeanie - There are Mass Rocks all over Ireland. Here is a link for an excellent website which has recorded the known Mass Rock sites throughout each county... https://www.findamassrock.com/
I hope it will help you find some good locations that will work for your itinerary.
Have a wonderful, successful trip to Ireland. Wishing you every blessing on your journey.
Mairéad