Sites and Monuments Record · Ireland
Ritual site - holy well
Newtown Or Skirk, County Laois, Ireland
The record
- Townland
- Newtown Or Skirk
- County
- Laois
- Country
- Ireland
- First-edition OS map
- NULL
- Latest-edition OS map
- NULL
- SMR number
- LA021-047001-
This record in the National Monuments Service's Historic Environment Viewer ↗
The National Monuments Service's description
A holy well known as Lady's Well was situated to NE of chruch (LA021-010001-). St Molua's Well (LA021-047002-) was situated in the next field. Unlocated holy well known as Lady's Well within townland described by Carrigan as 'Her holy well called 'Lady's Well' (LA021-047001-), is a little to the north-east of the church ( LA021-0100001-). The old holy well was destroyed more than a century ago; but ever since, a well of pure spring water, now known as 'Lady's Well' rises up to the height of a yard, in the partially decayed trunk of one of the old ash trees that grew over it; it never goes dry; the people hold it in great veneration. Skirke was much frequented by pilgrims on the pattern day, Aug. 15th, till about 1830. Even still 'rounds' are occasionally made here. The pilgrims began their devotions at the south-west angle of the old church; they then went round the church, left-hand wise, three times, on their bare knees; and then finished their rounds at Lady's Well' (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 136)
Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien
Date of upload: 17 December 2007