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Ritual site

Ritual site, holy tree/bush

What is recorded here

Ash trees have always held more than leaves in County Kildare. This one stands beside a holy well and graveyard, wearing half a dozen coloured rags like ribbons from a promise kept. Each June 24th the pattern returns to the well, and the tree seems to lean forward, remembering every hand that ever tied cloth to its bark.
In a graveyard (KD035-003003-), beside a holy well (KD035-003002-) c. 14m S of a church (KD035-003001-). A half-dozen, multicoloured rags are tied to an ash tree, and are associated with an annual pattern held at the well on June 24th. (Jackson 1979-80, 156) Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 27 November 2013
The holy tree or bush in Tyrrellstown is associated with a local pattern or pilgrimage held at the nearby holy well, with rags tied to the ash tree as part of a traditional votive offering. Such customs often reflect a blend of Christian and pre-Christian practices linked to healing or protection.

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What survives
Recorded monument

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