Holy well in Loughaun

Disused blocked up holy well to the E of church (OF008-045) and beside high cross (OF008-045) marked by a loose pile of stones which cover the well. There is a hawthorn bush which usually accompanies a Holy well beside the pile of stones. No other features visible. Not marked on any edition of the OS 6-inch maps. (De Courcy Williams 1897, 128-49) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

Linked to Saint Gobnait, the holy well in Loughaun was traditionally associated with cures for eye ailments and was visited by the local community for healing rituals. The presence of a hawthorn bush, often considered sacred in Irish tradition, reinforces its spiritual significance and connection to protective folklore.