Geograph - photograph every grid square

Below an overhanging roof of rock providing shelter, is the Mass Rock with a statue of the Blessed Virgin and plaque. The Penal Laws (known as the Penal Times) were introduced into Ireland in the year 1695, having been in use in other countries before this. Bishops were banished and priests had to register to preach. Priest hunters were employed to arrest bishops, unregistered Catholic priests and Presbyterian preachers under a 1709 Act. Priest hunters were effectively bounty hunters; in most cases the men were criminals. The reward rates for capturing a Bishop was £100 to £150 and an unregistered priest, £10 to £20. At this time mass rocks became common in Ireland and Scotland. As they were illegal and because of the danger, they had to be hidden and so you will find them in out of the way places which have some high ground from which some of the congregation could keep a look-out in case of danger approaching. In many instances a stone would be taken from a church ruin and relocated to a rural area with a simple cross carved on its top. Because the activity of celebrating mass or preaching was illegal, the services were not scheduled and their occurrence was communicated verbally between parishioners.
Please see: G7640 : Sligo: Crockauns Mountain. Mass Rock Photo taken from elevation: 314 metres (1030 feet) Discovery Series Map No.16