Shrines at Mamore Gap

Cross at Mamore Gap

Cross at Mamore Gap

The view from the Mamore Gap in the Inishowen Peninsula is splendid. I had no idea that I was that high up sea level. The viewpoint at Mamore Gap provides the perfect viewing spot for visitors. However, that is not the only thing you can see here. It seems that some people have decided to put religious icons here. I wasn’t sure what the reason was for this but there are several of them here included that of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Padre Pio. Most of the religious icon has small grottoes of their own. There is also a large wooden cross here which is probably the largest structure here on the hill.

Grotto at Mamore Gap

Grotto at Mamore Gap

It seems that Mamore Gap used to be the site of masses which were done in secret. Back then, the practice of Catholicism was outlawed and the faithful had to go underground to practice their faith. These days, Ireland is very much Catholic and an annual mass is held here in commemoration of those times. I would imagine how difficult life was for these people and I would admire the strength of their faith to be able to climb all the way to the top of the gap just to celebrate mass.

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