Ritual site - holy well

The National Monuments Service's description

This holy well, situated c. 40m NW of church (LA036-002001-), has been completely modernised. A pattern day was formerly held here on 24th June (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 197). Described by Comerford as 'An ancient grave-yard, still extensively used, occupies the probable site of St. Lony's cell and oratory, the latter, no doubt, in subsequent times by a public church (LA036-002001-). The trunk of a venerable tree (LA036-002004-) remains from an aperture in which, six feet from the ground, people still living state that they recollect to have seen water flow in a copious stream. Every available portion of the withered trunk is decorated with ex voto rags. The Saint's Well is immediately outside the burial ground. A Patron used to be held here on the 24th of June; very old natives tell of crowds of people flocking to it, and of fields and tents set up for their accomodation. As has so frequently been the case, abuses resulting from these assemblages, caused the Patron to be discontinued; but even still, the well is resorted to by pilgrims, especially on festivals of the Blessed Virgin' (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 197).

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