What is recorded here

St Brendans Well is a natural spring on the grounds of Birr Castle, enclosed in a modern stone canopy near the Camcor River. It belongs to the 6th-century monastery reputedly founded by St Brendan, which became one of the most celebrated members of St Columcille's federation and hosted major synods in AD 697 and 1174. Water still rises there beside the old church and graveyard, keeping the borderland valley alive with memory and ritual.

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

St Brendans Well is associated with Saint Brendan, a 6th-century Irish monk and saint renowned for his travels and miracles. The well is traditionally believed to have curative properties, particularly for ailments of the eyes and general health, and may have been a site of pilgrimage and seasonal rituals.

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