Brides Well

Situated in a complex of buildings, on Brideswell Street, on the SE side of Athlone town. Annotated ‘Brides Well’ on the 1837 OS 6-inch map and the revised 1910 ed. OS 25-inch map where it is depicted as a circular feature. Well described in 1982 as no surface remains visible. The area where it is indicated on OS mapping is occupied by a small garage. A small stream lies c. 20m to SW and the land beyond to S is marshy. Monument is not visible today on Digital Globe aerial photography. Compiled by Alison McQueen, Vera Rahilly and Caimin O’Brien. Date of upload: 07 November 2019

Linked to Saint Bridget (Brigid), the well is associated with traditional Celtic veneration of the saint, known for her patronage of healing, fertility, and craftsmanship. Holy wells dedicated to Brigid were often visited on Imbolc (1 February) for rituals involving water, prayer, and offerings.