Ritual site

No remains of the holy tree marked on 6-inch map as 'Meenadugh Tree' that was associated with St Kieran of Clonmacnoise. According to the OS Field Name Books ' It is about 30 chains W.S.W. of the Seven Churches, on the S. side of the road to Shannon Bridge. It is an old tree, which the country people say has the power of curing certain diseases in any person who can grasp it.' (OSFNB 1837-40). 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. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

This site was associated with St Kieran of Clonmacnoise, a 6th-century monastic founder and patron saint of the Clonmacnoise monastic settlement. The tree or bush was likely a focus for local pilgrimage or prayer, reflecting the widespread medieval tradition of venerating holy trees linked to saints.