Ritual site - holy/saint's stone

The National Monuments Service's description

Known locally as 'St. John's Rock' situated on the edge of a small wood on top of Knockbarron Hill. St Johns holy well (OF036-026----) located 125m to the SW. The stone is roughly spherically shaped and measures 2.5m across and 1.75m high. It is a weathered limestone glacial erratic with a large crevice on the S side into which are placed many religious coins and other votive offerings. It is obvious that the rock still has significant religious significance in the area. According to local information the stone was used as a mass rock during penal times. In 1934 the National Schools Survey of Holy Wells (NFC 468, 140) 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 (OF036-026----) 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 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