Ritual site - holy well

The National Monuments Service's description

In an elevated area. No visible surface remains. Now dried up. Reference to a sacred tree (LA017-003004-) opposite the well (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 1, 209). Graveyard (LA017-003007-) located to NNW. Clonenagh meaning the Ivy meadow was a monastery founded by St. Fintan around 548 (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 291). His feast day was celebrated on the 17th of February (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 291). According to Comerford the well does not occupy its original site which was in the adjoining field; the owner of this field contrived to divert the spring to the places it occupies at present. An old tree (LA017-003004-), opposite the well, is popularly supposed to be connected with it. In some cavities in the trunk, water is said to be at all times found, in which healing properties are ascribed (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 298).

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload: 17 December 2007