Originally identified as a prehistoric chamber tomb or dolmen by antiquarians like Borlase in 1897, this ancient monument took on new significance during Ireland’s Penal era. According to Ordnance Survey records from the 1830s, local Catholics transformed this megalithic tomb into a secret altar where Mass was celebrated outdoors, away from the watchful eyes of authorities who had banned public Catholic worship.

The practice continued at this site until 1799, when religious restrictions began to ease and a proper chapel could finally be built nearby. This transition from clandestine worship site to established church marks an important moment in Irish Catholic history; the end of an era when ancient stones provided sanctuary for forbidden religious ceremonies. The monument was documented by Lord Killanin and Michael Duignan in their archaeological surveys of the 1960s, noting its dual significance as both a prehistoric burial site and a testament to religious perseverance.

Today, this Penal Mass station serves as a poignant reminder of Ireland’s complex religious history, where prehistoric monuments became refuges for suppressed faith. The site was officially recorded in the Survey of the Megalithic Tombs of Ireland in 2002, compiled by Eamon Cody, ensuring that both its ancient origins and its role in more recent history are preserved for future generations to appreciate and understand.