Lady Well, Mountbolus, County Offaly

‘This little known holy well, situated just outside the village of Mountbolus, has been a site of Christian devotion for well over 1500 years and was most likely a pre-Christian sacred site prior to this.’

‘Originally believed to have been dedicated to St Brigid, it was re-dedicated to Our Lady in the 7th century. The entrance and little pathway down to the well are flanked by stones and masonry from as far afield as Croagh Patrick, Lough Derg, Gethsemane, Nazareth and Bethlehem.’

According to the Dúchas Schools’ Collection, people once visited the well believing its waters could help relieve ailments such as headaches, toothaches and other pains. Visitors also traditionally left small offerings, including medals, beads and pieces of cloth.

Photograph & Information – Dominic Moriarity

Last Paragraph: Dúchas Schools’ Collection (National Folklore Collection, UCD).