Ritual site - holy well

The National Monuments Service's description

Situated on top of Knockbarron Hill, in an area of undulating countryside. On the 1838 ed. OS 6-inch map the well is shown standing inside a woodland which is shown as Knockbarron Wood ont he 1908 ed. OS map. Poorly preserved well now dry with no other features visible. According to Purser (1918, 77) a local pattern was held here on St. John's Eve. St John's Rock (OF036-027----) which was used as a mass rock is located 125m to the NE. In 1934 the National Schools Survey of Holy Wells recorded that there was in a wood in the vicinity of Drumcullen monastery (now in ruins) (OF036-028001-), on a prominent hill, overlooking Kinnitty village and district. Ash tree growing out of side of well, crude steps descending to well. Well in a cavity, no protection around, some briars and shrubbery’ (NFC 468, 140). The survey recorded that a pilgrimage to this site occurred on the 24th of June for 9 days, ‘ending with a pattern; but of late years the pattern and bonfire are celebrated on 29th June’ (ibid.). The devotion at the well or pattern consisted of ‘three rounds, each round consisted of 3 Our Fathers and 3 Hail Marys, in clock [wise] direction; also prayers at Mass Rock (OF036-027----) nearby’ (ibid.). The water was used generally to cure ailments but had no special powers for any specific ailment. Votive offerings were left behind at the well including medals, pennies, bits of ribbons, beads etc. These offerings were placed on the sides of the well and on branches of the trees around the well. The votive offerings on the branches of the trees were placed here during the days of November.

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload/revision: 18 December 2013

References

Purser, O. 1918 Fragment of a Celtic cross found at Drumcullin, Kings County. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 48, 74-7.