St. Johns Well

On a N-facing pasture slope in the NW sector of Dun Ailinne, a ceremonial enclosure (KD028-038001-). In 1837, O'Conor, jointly compiling the OS Letters for Co. Kildare, recorded that the well, ‘ … was formerly frequented as a holy well, but is now dry’ (Herity 2002, 67 [197]). The holy well tradition persisted: Omurethi (1902, 362) recorded a local recalling ‘… this well to be resorted to for cures, and that he has seen rags tied to the briers overhanging it, and sticks and crutches lying about, and left there by people who had been cured of rheumatism, etc, after performing stations at the well. Unfortunately, as this is the only water supply on the hill, and the well is unprotected, cattle resort to it, and have turned it into a muddy lough.’ Survives as a small dry hollow. (Jackson 1979-80, 151) Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 12 July 2013 This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 200/1954).

St. John’s Well, Knockaulin is associated with St. John the Baptist and was historically visited for its supposed healing properties, particularly for skin ailments and general well-being. The well’s location within the ancient ceremonial enclosure of Dun Ailinne suggests a long-standing spiritual significance, blending pre-Christian and Christian traditions.