St. Catherines Well

Situated 150m east of St Catherine's church (WI019-001----). A well dedicated to St Catherine, and probably destroyed by the new bypass. According to Lynch (1994, 641) a 'whitethorn had marked the well but was cut down before the 1930s. The well had been frequented for the cure of many ailments, and offerings were left at the well. No memory of any pattern. An attempt was made to close the well with tragic consequences'. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2012

St. Catherine's Well is associated with St. Catherine of Alexandria, a Christian martyr venerated in Ireland for her miracles and healing powers. The well, once marked by a whitethorn tree, was likely used for ritual water collecting, particularly on her feast day of November 25th, for health and protection.