Lady Well

Modernised and still venerated holy well with gabled stone structure built over the well with a plaque with the inscription NVBM over the opening. On top of the gabled structure there is a statue of the Blessed Virgin with the child Jesus in her arms. There is a flight of steps leading down to the well. A passage leads from the roadside to the flight of steps, either side of which there are 3 inscribed stone slabs. Well is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and the annual pattern day is held on the 8th of September (Shaw Rev. 1971, 71-2). 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 the veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Lady Well at Rathlihen is associated with traditions of healing and pilgrimage. The gabled stone structure and the statue of the Virgin reflect longstanding Catholic devotion, with the initials NVBM (Nostre Dame de Bonne Mère or Notre Dame de Bonne Mère) suggesting a possible French or Marian influence in its dedication.