Ritual site - holy well

The National Monuments Service's description

Situated in a hillocky area on a SE-facing slope. This holy well is a natural spring which flows into an open pool. Though not marked on the OS 6-inch map a lane leads from the main track right up to the well. Maintained and still visited, the well is enclosed by a hexagonal drystone wall (diam. c. 1.3m; H c. 1m) and is covered by a flat slab of slate which has been partially cut to allow easy access to the water. Opening to SE, it is flanked on either side by walling terminating with boulders, with flagstones flooring this entrance area. This walling continues to enclose the hillock for a further 2-3.5m on either side of the entrance. Several small wooden crosses, painted Marian blue, have been inserted on top of this wall and on the hillock surrounding the well, including one fixed to an adjacent ash tree with a small crucifix placed in the centre. There is a rag bush in front of the well and a wooden altar to the rear containing a statue of the Virgin and Child. In the OS Name Books (c. 1840) the holy well was described as a place 'at which diseases are said to be cured and superstitious ceremonies performed'. According to the OS Letters St Conlan's festival 'fell on the 25th or 29th July. Some say it took place eleven days before the 1st August' (O'Flanagan 1930, vol. 3, 17).

The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008