Holy well in Rathaspick

Not marked on the 1839 or the 1909 eds OS 6-inch maps. In 1846 the Parliamentary Gazetteer of Ireland recorded that, 'The monastic ruins (LA025-023001-/002-/003-/004-) of Rathasbuck [Rathaspick], the Bishop's fort [LA025-022----), on the estate of Sir William Grace, Bart., formerly presented an interesting object from the house of Gracefield. Its ivy-mantled walls, high belfry, and large eastern window, were conspicuous in the scenery at the distance of about half-a-mile to the north. From the materials of these ruins, the adjoining church of Rathasbuck parish has lately been erected, which, in common with most buildings of the kind in this country, wants the characteristic appendage of a comfortable vicarage-house. Under the site of buildings connected with the former church (LA025-023001-), three vaulted chambers continued, until the year 1813, in perfect preservation, in one of which was a well (LA025-023003-) of remarkably fine spring water' (ibid.). No visible surface remains. Anon (1846) The Parliamentary Gazetteer of Ireland, 1844-45. 3 Volumes. A. Fullarton and Co., Dublin, London, and Edinburgh. 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 by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 16 January 2012

The holy well at Rathaspick is associated with Saint Abban, a 7th-century Irish bishop and founder of a monastic settlement in the area. Traditionally linked to healing and fertility, the site reflects early Christian practices that often incorporated pre-existing sacred wells into Christian devotion.