
Folklore · County Offaly
Folklore and traditions of County Offaly
14 sites with recorded traditions.
Illustrative image
14 sites in County Offaly with traditions recorded by the Archaeological Survey. County Offaly 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.
- Durrow Abbey Abbey or friary · Durrow Demesne, Co. Offaly
The present late 18th century C of I church (OF009-005013-) standing in the SE quadrant of the graveyard may have been built on the site of the Augustinian Abbey church which was founded in the 12th century on the site of the sixth century monastery reputedly…
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Durrow high cross High cross · Durrow Demesne, Co. Offaly
A monastery was founded at Durrow reputedly by Colum Cille [of the church] who died in 597 and whose feastday is celebrated on the 9th of June (Ó Riain 2011, 213-14).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Saint Manchan's Church Ancient church · Lemanaghan, Co. Offaly
The Christian legend of Margaret’s martyrdom recalls how she battled the Devil in the form of a fire-breathing dragon who swallowed her whole while she was on her knees praying and making the sign of the Cross upon her breast.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Mary's Church Ancient church · Ballyboy (Ballyboy By.), Co. Offaly
Presence of early-christian cross-slab confirms local tradition that this church has its origins in the Early Christian period.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Tisaran Church Ancient church · Moystown Demesne, Co. Offaly
In 1942 it was recorded that the feastday of St Saran was not remembered locally, although there was a pattern held at Tisaran until the early years of the last century (ibid.).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Birr Castle Demesne & Historic Science Centre Castle · Townparks (Ballybrit By.), Co. Offaly
St Brendan reputedly established a monastery (OF035-012001-/003-) here in the 6th century which subsequently became a prestigious and influential foundation and one of the most celebrated members of St Columcille's great federation of churches.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Anne's Well Holy well · Ballyheashill, Co. Offaly
According to the landowner the local tradition is to take some water from the well along with a small piece or splinter of the bog oak timber.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Bridget's Well Holy well · Clonlyon Glebe, Co. Offaly
Located on low-lying poorly drained land with church (OF014-017----) and graveyard (OF014-016----) to N. Disused holy well now dried up with votive offerings attached to nearby tree and coins deposited at base of well.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady's Well Holy well · Rathlihen, Co. Offaly
Well is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and the annual pattern day is held on the 8th of September (Shaw Rev. 1971, 71-2).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Lady's Well Holy well · Garrycastle, Co. Offaly
In order to obtain a cure for your headache the custom at All Saint's Well was for people to visit the well on three successive days (Logan 1980, 78).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Saint Manchan's Well Holy well · Lemanaghan, Co. Offaly
According to Rev. Monahan (1886, 353) there were three holy wells located at Lemanaghan which held its annual pattern day on January 24th.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Saint Saran's Well Holy well · Moystown Demesne, Co. Offaly
In 1942 it was recorded that the feastday of St Saran was not remembered locally, although there was a pattern held at Tisaran until the early years of the last century (ibid.).
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - St Kieran's Well Holy well · Clonmore (Ballybrit By.), Co. Offaly
One of the stations on the pattern held on St Kieran's day.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact - Toberneeva Holy well · Castlearmstrong, Co. Offaly
Hazel and hawthorn tress now growing around the edge of the well with evidence of votive offerings.
As recorded by the Archaeological Survey · a tradition, not a fact
