Holy well in Shanbally

Not marked on the 1840 or 1906 editions of the OS 6-inch maps. Reference to St Tierna's Well here (Carrigan 1905, 240). No visible surface remains. Described by Carrigan as 'St. "Tierna's well", a holy well dedicated to the patron of Aghmacart, is in Shanbally, in a field bounded on one side by the Gowl, and on another by Oldtown; it is now neglected' (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 240). 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. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

St Tierna's Well in Shanbally is associated with the early Irish saint Tierna, venerated for her healing miracles. The well, though no longer visible, was recorded in early 20th-century sources and may have been a site of pilgrimage for those seeking cures, particularly for eye ailments and general healing.