St. Patricks Bush

The OS Letters (1839) refer to a bullaun stone (KK023-009001-) known as St. Patrick's Knee on the W side of the Kilkenny - Kells road and c. 300m SE of a standing stone (KK023-008----). Shearman (1876-8, 200) notes that an, 'old hawthorn bush over-shadows the Glun Padraig [Patrick's Knee]; on its branches hang the usual ex votis of shreds torn from the garments of the visitors and devotees' (ibid.). Carrigan (1905, vol. 3, 393) quotes the OS Letters' description of the bullaun and adds that the bullaun stone is shaded by, 'a large, old sccach [bush], which the people call "Patrick's Bush," and which they still hold in veneration through reverence of our National Apostle. Its branches are plentifully hung with the usual ex voto offerings, such as pieces of cloth, linen, &c.'. Carrigan (ibid., 392-3) also refers to a church (KK023-009003-)and graveyard (KK023-009004-) which according to tradition were located adjacent to the bullaun stone and holy tree. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 1 June 2021

St. Patrick's Bush is associated with the legendary Christianization of Ireland and local traditions of healing and pilgrimage linked to St. Patrick’s reputed visits. The nearby bullaun stone, known as St. Patrick's Knee, suggests a site of ritual or religious significance, possibly used for pilgrimages or the preparation of holy water.