Holy well in Killickabawn

The Ordnance Survey Letters (1838-40) noted 'In the townland of Killickabawn in this parish there are two fields, one at each side of the road; the one called the Big Killeen and the other the little Killeen; the well which gives the name to the townland of Holy Well lying contiguous to these fields' (O'Flanagan 1928, 78). Compiled by: Claire Breen Date of upload: 07 February 2013

The holy well in Killickabawn is traditionally associated with Saint Cianan, a 6th-century Irish monk and patron saint of Kilkenny, and was historically visited for its supposed healing properties, particularly for eye ailments. The well's name and location suggest it may have been a site of early Christian pilgrimage and local folklore surrounding Saint Cianan's miracles.