What is recorded here
That is a circular well in Brosna West, dedicated to St. Moling, where a large bullaun stone still stands on the outside wall. People walk three times around five kneelers, pray a decade at each, and drink small sips from cupped hands. The smooth base stone may have come from an older building, carrying memory into the water.
Circular-shaped well (KE032-009----) dedicated to St. Moling which is enclosed by rectangular-shaped drystone structure in the centre of circular shaped area enclosed by low stone wall. Stone forming base of opening to holy well has a curved edge with possible bullaun (KE032-009001-) or shallow depression on upper surface at opening to well. This stone with the smooth curved edge may have been taken from an earlier building or church and reused as the base stone of the opening for the holy well. A large bullaun stone (KE032-009002-) is visible on the N side of the external face of the walled structure enclosing the holy well. According to the sign at the holy well the site was 'restored' in 1998 by the Brosna Heritage Group under the guidance of local sculptor James Scanlon of Brosna. According to the sign the following ritual was carried out at the site; 'A decade of the Rosary is said at each of the five kneelers around the well, going three times around the kneelers. The taking sips of water from the well in their cupped hands'.
Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien
Date of upload: 1 June 2022
Likely dating to the early medieval period, the bullaun stone was traditionally used for ritual purification, often associated with Christian saints. It may have had earlier prehistoric significance as a sacred site before being incorporated into Christian practice.
The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.
- What survives
- Recorded monument
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