Friars Well — Kildare

In a low-lying marshy area to the W of the Grey Abbey (KD022-029006-). In the late-1970's, according to Jackson (1979-80, 156), it was not regarded locally as being a holy well. In 2004 and 2005, archaeological test excavation (Licence nos. 04E0233 and 04E0233 ext.) in advance of a proposed large development in the area resulted in two trenches being excavated across the well site. The stratigraphy of the well comprised a 0.1m deposit of topsoil overlying a leached white clay subsoil. Large quantities of modern debris, including metal, glass and plastic, were incorporated into the topsoil. The remains of a wall foundation was identified in the trenches, and fragments of walling were also identified within the well. The excavation followed the course of a naturally eroded streambed, which terminated in the south in the area of the well. Friar’s Well was therefore not a well but a pool at the end of this stream. The ‘well’ was created by defining the western bank of the stream through the construction of a low limestone block wall, which was capped with flagstones. The ‘well’ could not be relied on as a water source, for, as seen through the excavation even in winter, it only occasionally retained water and over a three-month excavation period was predominantly a dry feature. The wall would therefore have functioned to define the water source to prolong its periods of water retention. No datable evidence was retrieved from the excavation of the well, but it is probable that it was constructed during the expansion of the friary in 1350. (Dennehy E. 2007, No. 831, 198-9; Dennehy E. 2008, No. 753, 184-5) Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 8 February 2012