Holy well in Brittas (talbotstown Upper By.)

Unlocated holy well within the townland of Brittas. According to Lynch (1994, 646) there is a holy well known as ‘St Laurence’s Well’ in the townland of Brittas that is mentioned in the 1930s Irish Folklore Commission, Schools Manuscript Collection (IFC S 916: 7/75-6). The folklore recorded that ‘St Laurence O’Toole drank from this well. Not visited in the 1930s. Water cold in summer and warm in winter. A blue light was seen over the well’ (Lynch 1994, 646). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 22 January 2013

St Laurence’s Well in Brittas is associated with St Laurence, a Christian martyr venerated in Ireland, and was historically visited for its supposed healing properties, particularly for skin ailments and general well-being. The well is mentioned in early 20th-century folklore collections, indicating a long-standing local tradition of pilgrimage and devotion.