Lady Well

In a possible ecclesiastical enclosure (KD014-022002-), immediately outside, to NW, of a church (KD014-022001-) and graveyard (KD014-022005-). According to the OSL (Herity 2002, 46 (142)), 'About 50 perches (c.250m) from the old Church (KD014-022001-) to the west, there was a holy well, which bore the name, "Lady Well", or "Sunday Well". (I could not learn exactly which was the name, (it being nearly forgotten) as the well has not this long time (been) frequented, partly because of a limestone quarry being opened near it exhausted almost all its waters). Within 4 yards of that part of the ruin called the "Castle", (KD014022001-), there is another "Well", the denomination of which, if it ever had any, is now forgotten'. However, the 1st ed. (1838) of the OS 6-inch map names 'Lady Well' at the latter location, just outside the graveyard. No obvious visible surface trace survives. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 10 June 2011

Linked to a tradition of healing, the Lady Well is associated with the veneration of the Virgin Mary, a common feature of many holy wells in Ireland. It was likely a site of pilgrimage and ritual washing for ailments, particularly women’s health issues, reflecting broader medieval Marian devotion.