Sweathouse and Picnic Area
An interesting feature which is almost unique to Ireland and very common in the parish of Ballinaglera is the existence of sweathouses. Sweathouses were an old remedy for back aches rheumatism, sciatica, pains in bones, headaches etc- like an old-time sauna!
Turf fires were lighted in the sweathouse. The ashes were then raked, the floor swept and green rushes, grass or straw was spread thickly over it. The people then removed their clothes and entered the sweathouse, the sufferers bathed or cooled off in a stream, which usually flows only a few yards from the sweathouse. Just off the Leitrim Way you will come across a sweathouse in very good condition. The secrecy and seclusion of the site makes for a lovely place to stop.
Mass Rock
The Mass Rock, situated in the townland at Stranagarvanagh, is reputed to have being used by the Franciscans for celebrating Mass in the Penal days. At this time Mass was said in secret and vantage points for 'lookout' were, easily found on the mountain tops near the Mass Rock. It is believed that Ballinaglera and Glangevlin were jointly ministered to by one priest, and since neither parish possessed a church or place of worship, the parish priest celebrated mass mid way between the parishes hence the erection of a Mass stone half way between the two parishes and to this day it remains the lasting memorial to the faith and devotion of people.
Cloch-an-tSagairt
Higher up almost on the summit of Sliabh an Iariann, situated in the townland of Carntulla is Cloch-an-tSagairt, the Priest's Stone. Its claim to fame arises from the suggestion that Mass was also celebrated here during periods of persecution. Other sources claim that Mass was never celebrated on the Priest's Rock, but rather, it was used by the priest in his preparation for celebrating Mass and that the priest's vestments and chalice were hidden in the rock. It is also claimed that the priest sheltered in the caves or crevices of this rock. During the last few years the tradition was renewed when Mass was specially celebrated on the Mass Rock on the 15th August to recall those dark days of the Penal era.
The Twelve Rooms
Just west of this famous stone is another place of refuge used by the Franciscans in those days. There is a line of rock forming a cave locally known as 'The Twelve Rooms'. It is believed that the monks hid in these caves from their persecutors on their way between Ballinaglera and Glangevlin. Only some of the cavities remain today but now they serve a different purpose - mainly as shelter for sheep.
Shannon Pot
The Shannon Pot is the recognised source of the River Shannon. As the source of Ireland's largest river, the Shannon Pot's fame can be traced back to the very early times of the legendary Finn MacCool and the Fianna, the great warriors of Irish methodology. Legend has it that Sinnann, the daughter of Lodan, came to the Shannon Pot in search of the Salmon of Wisdom. The great Salmon was angered at the sight of Sinnann and caused the pool to overflow and drown the fleeing maiden. Thus was the Shannon created and which still bears her name today.
Holy Wells
Holy Wells are quite common throughout Ireland. Almost every parish in the country has one. Ballinaglera has two, namely Saint Brigid's well and Tobar BheoAoidh (St.Hugh's).
St Hugh's Well
With the views over Lough Allen the picnic area are great so it's a good place to stop halfway through the day to relax and grab a bite to eat. The site is dedicated to St. Hugh, the local patron. It lies just a short walk from the sweathouse at Cleighran More.
St Brigit's Well
St. Brigid's well is situated in the townland of Greaghnafarna. Beside the well is a heap of small stones. On one of these stones there is a knee imprint said to be that of St. Brigid from when she prayed there. There is no fixed pattern day but the well is frequented on Saturdays especially for toothache cures. Sufferers bless themselves with the water and leave some valuables such as coins in honour of the saint. The pilgrim kneels, prays and applies the water to his teeth, but does not drink it. Should the promises be broken the toothache returns more severely than before!
