Mass Rock and Holy Well
St Anthony's Well
Ancient Well, Mass Rock and Bullaun
WOW! What an amazing ancient well. It is fairly obvious that this well was here long before Christianity. It has the appearance of a small wedge tomb with its cairn intact. It is such a pity that the well has dried up. The well is now dedicated to St Anthony and immediately in front of it is a Mass Rock , used by Priests during penal times. Tucked away in a corner is a large stone with a single huge bullaun. These are usually found at early christian sites, but like the well, it too may predate christianity. The whole site has been turned into a small millennium garden commemorating Irish History through the Celtic, Christian Viking, Norman. Penal and Famine eras, right up to Irish Independence.
Situated: From Tullamore take the R421 South. After 2.5 K turn right onto the N52. Take 2nd exit. Turn right at roundabout. After 1.8 K turn right. After 3k there is a right turn. The well is 30 metres down here on the right.
Discovery Map 48: N 2718 2382. Last visit Nov 2011.
Longitude: 7° 35' 33" W
Latitude: 53° 15' 51" N
Photos: Jim Dempsey.
