Ritual site - holy well

The National Monuments Service's description

Marked on the 1839 and 1903 eds of the OS 6-inch map and described as St. Cavan’s Well in gothic lettering on both. It is located on a level, low-lying landscape. According to John O’Donovan writing c. 1840 the pattern was held on the 12th June, but it was abolished after the 1798 rebellion (O’Flanagan 1933, vol. 1, 239). The well is a natural spring with a concrete covering, but there is no evidence of veneration. St. Caomhán Santleathan, perhaps meaning 'wide saint', was an early saint who founded the first church at Ardcavan (WX039-038006001-) which is c. 200m to the SSW. The saint's origins are manifold, being connected variously to the Corca Ólaim and St. Bréanainn of Birr, and also to the Uí Bhairrche of Magh Ailbhe in Carlow. Through his mother, Caoimgheall, daughter of Ceinnfhionnán, he was a half-brother of Caoimhghin of Glendalough. St. Finnian of Clonard in Meath is said to have stayed at Ardcavan on his way to Wales. (Ó Riain 2011, 157)

Compiled by: Michael Moore

Date of upload: 18 January, 2012
Amended: 15 January, 2015

References

Ó Riain, P. 2011 A dictionary of Irish Saints. Dublin. Four Courts Press.