St. Brecans Bed

This is one of five leabaí or grave-plots (see also GA110-023002-, GA110-023003-, GA110-023005- and GA110-023009-) associated with Teampall Bhreacáin (GA110-010001-) and Teampall an Phoill (GA110-010003-). This example, known as Leaba Bhreacáin, is to the SW Teampall Bhreacáin. It consists of a low subrectangular platform (c. 5.1m N-S; 4-5m E-W; H 0.35m) that is defined by a kerb of limestone blocks (T 0.12-0.38m). Eight cross-slabs (GA110-023013- to GA110-023020-) are associated with it and a small cross-inscribed pebble that was found on it is now in the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin. It bears an inscription that reads OR AR BRAN N-AILITHER (Higgins 1987, ii, 268, no. 1). Leaba an Spioraid Naoimh (GA110-023002-) lies c. 5m to the N. Both leabaí appear to have been surrounded by a possible enclosure (GA110-010005-) (Waddell 1973, 7, Fig. 1). (Gosling 1993, 145, no. 838) Updated by: Olive Alcock Date of revised upload: 11 June 2018

St. Brecan was a 6th-century Irish monk and hermit associated with several early Christian sites in Munster, and his name is linked to traditions of healing and penitential practices. The "leabaí" (beds or grave-plots) associated with his name may reflect local beliefs in his intercession for health and protection.