Holy well in Monknewtown

The precise location of the holy well, Tobar Sratha Báine has not been identified. The holy well was located close to the medieval church (ME019-019---) of Monknewtown and in close proximity to a corn mill of 19th century date. According to the OS Letters of Co. Meath the holy well was located within '20 perches of the Church (ME019-019----). On the 25-inch OS map there is a spring well depicted (ITM Coords 701084/775179) which is shown located S of the church (ME019-019----) and SSW of a disused corn mill. This spring well may be the site of the holy well. MacNeill (1962) recorded that 'near the site of the old church (ME019-019----) is a well which was called Tobar Sratha Báine when O'Conor was there in 1836. It had been frequented on the first Sunday of harvest until a mill was erected convenient to it, since which period the people had ceased to perform stations at the well on that day. O'Conor said that some derived the name from a dedication of the well to a Saint Banan, Naomh Bánan, but on good grounds he doubted it. He reported that the patron-day of the parish was Ladyday, August 15'. According to Thunder (1886-7, 657) St. Barran or Barrind was the patron of the well at Monknewtown. (French 2012, 103) Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 05 November 2013.