Hermitage in Dysart

Early Christian church associated with Aonghas of Tallaght who gave his name to this foundation known as Díseart Aonghasa anglicised as Dysart Enos. Aonghas was a ninth century bishop who died c. 830 and was author of Féilire Aonghasa (Martyrology of Aonghas) which was reputedly started at his church in Dysart and finished in the monastery of Tallaght, Co. Dublin (Ó Riain 2011, 79). No visible surface remains inside Dysart graveyard (LA013-059003-) of any hermitage associated with Aonghas. 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. Compiled and revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revision: 2 October 2014

The holy well or site at Dysart is associated with Saint Aonghas (Angus) of Tallaght, a ninth-century bishop and scholar known for his writings on Christian doctrine. The site, known as Díseart Aonghasa, was a place of pilgrimage and monastic learning, reflecting the early Christian tradition of hermitages linked to saints for prayer and healing.