Island in the Stream

For many years it was believed that the Mass Rock at Inispollan was a penal Mass site, but in The Glens it is thought not to have been the case.

It is unlikely the Glens or any parts of North Antrim suffered the same from penal laws as other parts of the country.

We think the Mass Rock at Inispollan was a Mass station, a sheltered spot were a Mass was celebrated when a few priests were available.

Two hundred years ago there were few churches. In 1622 only 16 churches were fit for the celebration, while 150 churches and chapels were decayed or in ruins.

There were no churches in Cushendun at this time. There were ruins of a church on the site were St Patrick's is now.

There are other Mass Rocks at Gortin, Glegagh and Cloghy West.

However Inispollan was the most important site and this probably because the priest lived there.

In 1704 Fr. Brian O' Mulderg was registered as a parish priest of Inispollan.

When this church was completed mass at the old altar was discontinued.