Mass rock (Portglenone)
The Mass rock of Portglenone (also called 'The Old Altar') is one of the various Mass rocks which stand throughout Ireland. Located at Portglenone in County Antrim, the rock was used during the mid-seventeenth century in an isolated location for Catholic Mass. These times were a period dominated by the Penal Laws and known as the Penal Times. History. Ahoghill & Portglenone Parishes. Portglenone Parish was formerly part of Ahoghill Parish, with this Mass rock at one end of the area. Some of the parish priests who would have said Mass here included: In 1866, Portglenone became  a separate parish with Fr. McConnell as the first parish priest. He died in 1876 having helped erect the present church and school. The church was opened and dedicated the "Church of the Blessed Virgin, Mary Immaculate" on 10 September 1871. Modern day. In the 20th century, Mass was celebrated at the rock on at least three occasions: As of the 21st century, two Masses have been said so far at the rock: