What is recorded here

On the 17th of February, people still walk the undulating Laois countryside to St. Fintans Well, where a clear spring bubbles beneath the open sky. They leave pebbles in its water or take them home, believing the small stones will preserve them against shipwreck or accidental death. Two hundred metres north, Cremogue church and graveyard stand as a quiet anchor for the ritual. The well does not ask for belief; it invites repetition, memory and care.

Visited on St Fintan's feast day, the 17th of February. Pebbles from it are thought to act as preservatives against shipwreck or accidental death (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 337). Situated in undulating countryside. A clear spring visible. Cremogue church and graveyard (LA017-014001/002-) located 180m to the N of the holy well. 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. Fintan's Well is associated with the early Irish saint Fintan, a figure from Irish monastic tradition, and is visited on his feast day, 17 February. The well's pebbles were historically believed to offer protection against shipwreck or accidental death, reflecting a maritime or travel-related folk tradition.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.