Ritual site — holy tree/bush in Garrycastle

Today there are no surface remains visible of a hawthorn bush located in graveyard (OF029-015002-) with votive offerings attached and broken statuettes at base of bush. In 1942 Oliver Davies described the ‘ruins of a comparatively modern church (OF029-015001-) nothing remaining except the walls and to the north east there are portions of walls which seem to be more ancient date. In the end of these ruins which is nearest the road, there is a small bush which is covered with souvenirs and at the base of which there is a collection of broken statuettes. When the people used perform the stations here they used finish at this bush’ (ITA Survey 1942). Today there are the remains of a small niche containing holy statues located in the base of the inner face of the E wall of the structure located immediately N of the church (OF029-015001-). The holy bush described by Davies in 1942 may have been located inside this structure and adjoining the niche containing the statues, this area was used as a family burial area for the Tiquin family from the 19th century to the present day. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 04 September 2013