St. Bridgets Well

Dedicated to St. Bridget. Until the nineteenth century, pilgrims came here on the 1st February (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 309). Well indicated by wet patch in the ground. Described by Carrigan as "St. Bridgets well" was about 200 yards south-east of the church, in the field- formerly townland-known as Booliaduff. It was a holy well, and the scene of many pilgrimages and patterns, down to the beginning of the 19th century. Though destroyed several years ago, its site is still well known' (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 309). 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

St. Bridget's Well is associated with the Gaelic goddess Brigid, later Christianized as St. Brigid of Kildare, and was historically visited by pilgrims on 1st February, the traditional feast day of the saint. The well was likely believed to have healing properties, particularly for women's ailments and fertility, reflecting the saint's patronage over childbirth and the arts.