Arra Historical & Archaeological Society

The next talk organised by the society is entitled ‘The Mass-rock and 18th century religious practice: Legacies and Realities’ and will be presented by Dr David Fleming. It takes place on Thursday, February 22, in Reidy’s of Newtown at 8pm.

The mass rock is synonymous with the penal times of eighteenth century Ireland, at least in the popular imagination. But catholic religious meeting places and architecture varied across the country. This talk explores catholic practice in 18th-century Ireland and re-constructs how the mass rock became such a potent symbol for the penal laws in the popular mind.

Dr Fleming is a Senior Lecturer in History at University of Limerick and a historian of 18th century Ireland. He is involved with the Local History outreach programme at the university.

The talk is free for members and €5 for non-members.