St. Fintans Well — Castledurrow Demesne

Reference to a holy well with a cross pedestal (LA029-043002-) at its head (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 212). Situated in a marshy area with river to the SW. A horseshoe-shaped area (Wth c. 3.5m) surrounded by a stone wall. Described by Carrigan as 'His holy well, called 'Fintan's Well' or rather 'Fantan's Well', is within Lord Ashbrook's demesne, at the distance of about 100 yards from Durrow bridge. At its head, firmly embedded in the earth, is the rough limestone pedestal of a small cross (LA029-043002-); the socket is 5 in. long, and about the same in width and depth. The cross itself has been long missing. The small inch lying between the holy well and the river Erkina is called St. 'Fantan's Island' (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 212). 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