The Mass Rock / Leac na hAltóra

In the eighteenth century, a series of Penal Laws was enforced in Ireland, wich restricted the civil and religious liberties of roman Catholics.
Priest often had to celebrate Mass in Shelters (Scathláin), wich were frequently sited in places associated with Saints.
One such place was the Altar Stone (Leac na hAltóra), at Ballyboes.
It is reputed to be the spot where Saint Colmcille rested, as he supervised the transportation of Ray Cross from Muckish to Tory.
The practice of saying Mass here was discontinued, after the church was opened at Gortahork in 1786.
Nevertheless, old people, unable to attend Mass in Grotahork, continued to come to the Altar Stone (Leac na hAltóra) to pray on Sundays, until a church was opened in Falcarragh in 1882.