Ritual site - holy well

The National Monuments Service's description

In a low-lying landscape. A circular well (diam. 1.2m) within a rectangular paved enclosure (int. dims 2.1m N-S; 2m E-W) defined by masonry walls (Wth 0.9m; H 0.3m) is approached by steps from the S and has a D-shaped masonry alcove (Wth 1.45m; D 1.35m; max. H 0.8m) on top of the N wall of the enclosure. Adjacent to the E is a dry circular well (RO045-056002-) (diam. 1.5m; D 1m) conserved in masonry and approached by steps from the S. To the N of the wells is a young ash tree on a D-shaped mound (dims 3.5m E-W; 2.5m N-S; H 0.4m) which is just inside the N wall of a D-shaped enclosure (int. dims 14.35m N-S; 12.3m E-W) defined by masonry walls (Wth 0.5m; H 1m) with straight sides at N and E, which is entered through a gate at the N end of the E wall. The well was conserved in 1984. It is still venerated, and according to J. O' Donovan writing in the 1830s a pattern was held at that time on the 23rd June, although it was held on the 16th Aug. at an earlier time (O'Flanagan 1931, vol. 1, 32-3).

See the attached image taken from the S

Compiled by: Michael Moore

Date of upload: 24 August 2010

References

O'Flanagan, Rev. M. (Compiler) 1931 Letters containing information relative to the antiquities of the county of Roscommon collected during the progress of the
Ordnance Survey in 1837. Bray.