What is recorded here

An ancient graveyard in County Laois holds the probable site of St. Lony's cell and oratory, marked by a withered tree trunk that once bled water from a hole six feet above the ground. People still tie ex voto rags to its bark, feeding a belief that the saint lives inside the wood rather than beneath it. Crowds may have flooded the fields for the June festival, pitching tents to watch the tree weep, while the dead rested beside the well that gave the place its name.

Described by Comerford as 'An ancient grave-yard, still extensively used, occupies the probable site of St. Lony's cell and oratory, the latter, no doubt, in subsequent times by a public church (LA036-002001-). The trunk of a venerable tree remains from an aperture in which, six feet from the ground, people still living state that they recollect to have seen water flow in a copious stream. Every available portion of the withered trunk is decorated with ex voto rags. The Saint's Well (LA036-002003-) is immediately outside the burial ground. A Patron used to be held here on the 24th of June; very old natives tell of crowds of people flocking to it, and of fields and tents set up for their accomodation' (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 197). 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

This site is associated with St. Lony, a lesser-known early Irish saint, and is linked to local traditions of healing and prayer. The holy tree or bush may have been considered a focal point for rituals and offerings, reflecting the continuity of sacred practice from early Christian times into later folk traditions.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.