Burying Bush

Reference to church site and graveyard (LA010-002002-). which was used for the burial of unbaptized children and within which was a bush known as the 'Burying Bush' (LA010-002003-). Close by lay a holy water stone, a font or bullaun stone (LA010-002004-) (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 150). No visible surface remains. Substantial remains of an ecclesiastical enclosure(LA010-002006-) defined by a low earth and stone bank survive. No visible surface remains. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

The Burying Bush at Srahanboy is associated with the local tradition of burying unbaptized children, reflecting a medieval Christian practice of providing a Christian burial for infants who died before baptism. The site includes a holy water stone, suggesting a connection to early Christian ritual and the use of water for purification or blessing.