Unofficial guide. Not the National Monuments Service, the OPW, Fáilte Ireland or the landowner. Disclaimer
At a glance
- TypeRitual site - holy well
- Condition (as surveyed)Gone: no visible trace
What to look for
- Pattern day
Picked out from the Archaeological Survey description below.
Can you visit?
- No source says it is open to the public.Most monuments in Ireland stand on private farmland.
- Ask the landowner before crossing fields, close gates, leave the stones as you find them.Visiting responsibly
History and description
This holy well, situated c. 40m NW of church (LA036-002001-), has been completely modernised. A pattern day was formerly held here on 24th June (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 197).
Full archaeological record 190 words
This holy well, situated c. 40m NW of church (LA036-002001-), has been completely modernised. A pattern day was formerly held here on 24th June (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 197). Described by Comerford as 'An ancient grave-yard, still extensively used, occupies the probable site of St. Lony's cell and oratory, the latter, no doubt, in subsequent times by a public church (LA036-002001-). The trunk of a venerable tree (LA036-002004-) remains from an aperture in which, six feet from the ground, people still living state that they recollect to have seen water flow in a copious stream. Every available portion of the withered trunk is decorated with ex voto rags. The Saint's Well is immediately outside the burial ground. A Patron used to be held here on the 24th of June; very old natives tell of crowds of people flocking to it, and of fields and tents set up for their accomodation. As has so frequently been the case, abuses resulting from these assemblages, caused the Patron to be discontinued; but even still, the well is resorted to by pilgrims, especially on festivals of the Blessed Virgin' (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 197).
Archaeological Survey of Ireland, National Monuments Service (CC BY 4.0) · Updated 17 December 2007 · Based on the Archaeological Inventory of County Laois. It describes the site as it was when surveyed.
Folklore and traditions
A pattern day was formerly held here on 24th June (Comerford 1886, vol. 3, 197).
Every available portion of the withered trunk is decorated with ex voto rags.
More holy wells nearby

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Ritual site - holy well · Drumgoole · Kilkenny · 5.9 km away

Church Well
Ritual site - holy well · Aughatubbrid Or Chatsworth · Kilkenny · 6.5 km away
St Patrick's Well
Ritual site - holy well · Kilfeacle · Laois · 9.0 km away
St Abban's Well
Ritual site - holy well · Ballynagall · Laois · 9.3 km away
St Bridget's Well
Ritual site - holy well · Tomard Lower (3 Detached Portions) · Carlow · 12 km away

St Laserian's Well
Ritual site - holy well · Oldleighlin · Carlow · 12 km away
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Around St Longory's Well
Other heritage nearby
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Recorded within 5 km
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- 2 castlesArchaeological Survey of Ireland
- 1 ringfortArchaeological Survey of Ireland
Walks and trails
- Castlecomer - Ardra LoopWalking Trail · 4.4 km · nearest point 5.7 km
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Outdoors, towns and places to stay
- ClogrennanForests · 9.4 km
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- CarlowWalled towns · 13 km
Other attractions nearby
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What's on nearby
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