Why this matters
This white thorn bush is associated with St. Broghan, a local early Christian saint, and may have been a site of pilgrimage or ritual due to its proximity to a named saint's stone. Thorns dedicated to saints were often considered places of healing or spiritual protection in Irish tradition.
What is recorded here
Located on flat pasture land to the SE of Clonsast Church (OF027-008002-). This White thorn bush is marked on the OS 6-inch map beside St. Broghan's stone (OF027-009002-) which has been removed. There are no pieces of cloth attached to the bush, which indicates that there has been no pattern day to this site for quite a while.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Date of upload: 23 May 2011
This remains an important historical record, but the official description says the monument is no longer visible or has been destroyed.
The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.