Former Mass Rock, Off Sandbank Rd, Hilltown, Newry, Co Down, BT34 5XU

This is a former Mass Rock, likely dating from the Penal era between the mid-17th century and approximately 1830, with a more probable construction date between 1780 and 1799. Its remote location reflects the historical prohibition of organised Catholic worship under the Penal Laws. It is of primarily local social interest, and a rare example of its type.

The Mass Rock is a large granite glacial erratic situated on a west-facing slope at a track junction on the north-east corner of a forest, in the townland of Leitrim. It measures approximately 3.0 x 2.2 metres in plan and stands 1 metre high. A flat, carved recess measuring 50 x 30cm is present on the slightly sloping top surface, directly beneath which is an incised cross measuring 20 x 15cm. The site is not shown on Ordnance Survey maps.