St. Fintans Well

Located in the valley of a small NNW-SSE stream, which is c. 10m to the W. It is marked on the 1839 and 1940 eds of the OS 6-inch map and described in gothic lettering on both as St. Fintan’s Well, and as ‘Site of’ on the later map. According to John O’Donovan writing c. 1840 the pattern was held on the 17th February. From the date of the pattern it can be concluded that St. Fiontan of Clonenagh, Co. Laois (LA017-003001-) was the patron. St. Fiontan was of the Ceinéal Eachdhach, or the Fothairt of north Leinster, from whose Wexford branch Forth barony is named, and he was related to St. Bridget of Kildare. He was closely connected with St. Colum of Terryglass, and died in 603. His Life is thought to be early in date, but his geographical connections correspond closely with those of the Augustinian canons, suggesting a later date (Ó Riain 2011, 339-41). There is no evidence of a well. Mayglass church (WX047-015001-) is c. 130m to the N. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 14 October, 2013

St. Fintan’s Well is associated with St. Fintan, an early Irish Christian saint known for founding monastic sites in Leinster and Munster. The well was traditionally visited for its healing properties, particularly for skin ailments and general well-being, and may have been a site of pilgrimage and seasonal rituals.