Discover Alone ← Back to nearby map

← Back to the nearby map

St. Fintans Well — Clonenagh

Holy well
View what I want to do
No photo yet

Add your own picture and explain the route, parking, gates, paths or landmarks that help people find it.

Earn 5 points after the picture is checked and accepted.

Add your photo and local directionsShare what you found

What is recorded here

In an elevated area. No visible surface remains. Now dried up. Reference to a sacred tree (LA017-003004-) opposite the well (O'Hanlon and O'Leary 1907, vol. 1, 209). Graveyard (LA017-003007-) located to NNW. Clonenagh meaning the Ivy meadow was a monastery founded by St. Fintan around 548 (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 291). His feast day was celebrated on the 17th of February (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 291). According to Comerford the well does not occupy its original site which was in the adjoining field; the owner of this field contrived to divert the spring to the places it occupies at present. An old tree (LA017-003004-), opposite the well, is popularly supposed to be connected with it. In some cavities in the trunk, water is said to be at all times found, in which healing properties are ascribed (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 298). 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

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.