Folklore · County Kildare
Folklore and traditions of County Kildare
12 sites with recorded traditions.
Illustrative image
12 sites in County Kildare with traditions recorded by the Archaeological Survey. County Kildare guide.
Folklore on ErinSites is quoted from the Archaeological Survey of Ireland (or, when marked, from visitors). It records what people said or believed about a place; it is not presented as historical fact.
- Old Kilcullen Monastic Site Monastic site · Oldkilcullen, Co. Kildare
This was an Early Christian foundation traditionally associated with Isernius (d. 468) and MacTail (d. 548).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Ardscull Moat Castle · Ardscull, Co. Kildare
While, traditionally, the site of a battle between the Leinstermen and the Munstermen in the second century AD, there are no documentary references to Ardscull before the coming of the Normans, after which it’s likely that Ardscull became a borough…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - King Mesgegra's Mound Castle · Carrigeen, Co. Kildare
According to Cooke-Trench (1899-1902, 109) there was a local tradition that the top of the monument sank c. 1830 and skeletons were found there.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Mullaghreelan Rath Castle · Mullaghreelan, Co. Kildare
Entrance with causeway at SW. Reputed to be a residence of kings of Leinster (OSL 1838, 75).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady Well Holy well · Brackagh, Co. Kildare
According to the OSL (Herity 2002, 34), '… there is a well called Lady Well, at which stations were performed on Lady-Day in Harvest', and Jackson (1979-80, 145) says a pattern was held here in August.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Bridget's Well Holy well · Hartwell Lower, Co. Kildare
Though a strong flow of water boils up in it, yet from its position by the side of a gripe, it would require a native of the locality to point it out.' Jackson (1979-80, 161) says the well was visited for toothache and earache cures and tokens were left at it.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Tully East, Co. Kildare
Ribbons and other votive offerings have been tied to the branches of a tree overhanging the well.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Bridget's Well Holy well · Riverstown, Co. Kildare
A stone with indentations beside the well is said to be the imprints of the saint’s knees.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St. Patrick's Well Holy well · Belan, Co. Kildare
Jackson records the belief that St. Patrick baptised people at this well, but that there was no tradition of cures or patterns associated with it (1979-80, 151).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tobar Bride Holy well · Brallistown Commons, Co. Kildare
According to Jackson (1979-80, 156) 'there was a famous pattern held at this spot over 150 years ago, but the pattern fell into disrepute from want of piety.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tubber-molin Holy well · Kilcullenbridge (Kilcullen Ed), Co. Kildare
According to Fitzgerald (1899-1902, 317) the well, ‘ … [went] by the name of Tubber-molin … or St. Moling’s Well’, while Jackson (1979-80, 151) attributes it to St. Brigid and says a pattern was formerly held there on February 1st.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tubbermohocca Holy well · Kilcock, Co. Kildare
Local tradition recalls a pattern day at the well on the 6th of June (pers. comm. Mr. Michael Durkan).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact