Ritual site - holy well

The National Monuments Service's description

Situated within a hollow at the base of a steep N-facing ridge are two adjoining holy wells dedicated to St. Patrick and St. Brigid respectively, within a small, square walled enclosure (dim. 11m). Patterns are still held here annually on June 29th. The larger well is dedicated to St. Patrick (SL019-151001-). Appended to its W side is this well, which according to tradition is dedicated to 'St. Brigid's'. It comprises a small subrectangular pool (dims. 0.8m x 0.6m) defined on S side by a semicircular stone wall and roofed by a massive slab (dims. 1.9m x 1.4m) known as 'St. Brigid's Flag' which bears numerous crudely inscribed crosses (SL019-151003-). A series of stone steps on the N side leads down to the water level. Built into the enclosure wall, a short distance SW of the wells, is a crucifixion plaque (SL019-151004-). Also within the enclosure is a plain rectangular stone altar (SL019-151005-). A third well, which was used by penitents for washing their feet before and after undertaking the patterns, is located 1.7m N of the enclosure.

Attached image (SL019-151002-_01) shows semicircular well, roofed with cross-inscribed stone (SL019-151003-), viewed from W

Compiled by: Patrick F. O'Donovan

Date of upload: 19 January 2011