What is recorded here

St. Kierans Well in County Kilkenny is a dried rock-cleft cavity that once anchored a pilgrimage stretching five hundred metres to another holy site. People walked the full distance, beginning at one well and ending at the other, trusting the journey itself as much as the water. The basin no longer holds rain, but its sharp edge still marks the route and preserves the shape of that old devotion.

According to Carrigan (1905, vol. 4, 116) this is one of three holy wells dedicated to St Kieran (KK029-026----; KK029-024---- and KK029-040----, the latter unlocated) and 'Of old, the pilgrimages began at the former [KK029-026---- in Cappagh townland], and ended at the latter [KK029-024----] c. 530m to the NNE. This well is now dried up and only visible as a rock-cleft cavity. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 8 March 2022

St. Kierans Well is associated with St. Kieran, a 6th-century Irish saint and founder of the monastery at Clonmacnoise. The well was traditionally visited for its healing properties, particularly for skin ailments and general well-being, and was part of a pilgrimage route that included several other holy wells dedicated to the saint.

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