Penitential station in Disert

Located adjacent to a holy well (DG084-001004-), within the N half of an ecclesiastical enclosure (DG084-001001-). This is one of two penitential cairns, which flank the holy well, and are associated with traditional devotional activities at the well. It consists of a mound of stones, mainly fist-sized but occasionally larger. There is a similar cairn (DG084-001009-) immediately to E (Beglane et al. 2016, Appendix 2). Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 9 August 2017

Penitential stations in Ireland are often linked to early Christian pilgrimage practices, particularly those associated with the Stations of St. Brigid or St. Patrick. These cairns were used by pilgrims as sites for prayer and penance, typically involving walking or kneeling between the stations while reciting prayers.