Holy well in Monknewtown

The precise location of the holy well, Tobar Sratha Báine has not been identified. The holy well was located close to the medieval church (ME019-019---) of Monknewtown and in close proximity to a corn mill of 19th century date. According to the OS Letters of Co. Meath the holy well was located within '20 perches of the Church (ME019-019----). On the 25-inch OS map there is a spring well depicted (ITM Coords 701084/775179) which is shown located S of the church (ME019-019----) and SSW of a disused corn mill. This spring well may be the site of the holy well. MacNeill (1962) recorded that 'near the site of the old church (ME019-019----) is a well which was called Tobar Sratha Báine when O'Conor was there in 1836. It had been frequented on the first Sunday of harvest until a mill was erected convenient to it, since which period the people had ceased to perform stations at the well on that day. O'Conor said that some derived the name from a dedication of the well to a Saint Banan, Naomh Bánan, but on good grounds he doubted it. He reported that the patron-day of the parish was Ladyday, August 15'. According to Thunder (1886-7, 657) St. Barran or Barrind was the patron of the well at Monknewtown. (French 2012, 103) Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 05 November 2013.

Linked to Saint Bláthnaid, the well was traditionally associated with cures for skin ailments and was visited on Saint Bláthnaid's feast day, 19 July. The name "Sratha Báine" suggests a "white valley" or "valley of milk," possibly alluding to the well's clear, curative waters or local fertility rituals.