St Bridgets Well

Situated 145m SSW of Tully House and 150m SSE of Tully graveyard (KD022-034001-) containing the Preceptory of the Knights Hospitallers (KD022-034----). In 1837 Thomas O'Conor of the Ordnance Survey recorded that 'St Brigid's Well lies in the west of the same townland and near Tully House, the residence of Mr. Pottinger' (O'Flanagan 1927, 62). In 1903 the site was described as a 'well or basin built of cut stone the work of the Board of Works, which by some people is called St. Brigid's Well; but this is an error, as the real St. Brigid's Well (KD027-010001-) is situated, in a neglected state on a bit of commons called "The Grallach" (i.e., a miry place) in the townland of Brallistown' (Fitzgerald 1903-5, 130). According to Jackson (1979-80, 157) the stone surround of the well was built during the 1840s as a source of local employment. Associated with St. Brigid and still venerated, this small circular well (diam. 1.3m) now a pool of stagnant water is enclosed by a low stone wall accessed from a modern paved area. Ribbons and other votive offerings have been tied to the branches of a tree overhanging the well. See attached map drawn by Fitzgerald showing location of St. Brigid's Well (KD027-010001-) in Brallistown, the Kneeling Stones (KD027-010002-) and the Board of Works St Brigid's Well in the townland of Tully East. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 26 March 2018

St Bridget’s Well is associated with St Brigid of Kildare, a prominent early Irish Christian saint linked to fertility, healing, and protection. Traditionally, the well was visited for its curative properties, particularly for ailments of the eyes and childbirth, and was likely a site of seasonal rituals and offerings.