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Birr is situated in the low-lying fertile valley of the Little Brosna River. The town developed SE of the castle (OF035-012004-) and within the bounds of a pronounced meander in the River Camcor. The Camcor joins the Little Brosna to NW of the town. St Brendan reputedly established a monastery (OF035-012001/003-) here in the 6th century which subsequently became a prestigious and influential foundation and one of the most celebrated members of St Columcille's great federation of churches. Located in the border area between the provinces of Munster, Meath, Leinster and Connacht and itself located in the territory of Eile in Munster, the monastic settlement was frequently chosen as a venue for the meetings of both kings and churchmen, perhaps the most significant of which were the synods of AD 697 and 1174.
St Brendan's holy well consists of a natural spring well situated on the grounds of Birr Castle enclosed within a modern stone canopy close to the Camcor River, church (OF035-012001-) and graveyard (OF035-012002-) located.
Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien.
Date of upload: 23 May 2011
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