St. Baoithin's Well

Dublin Core

Title

St. Baoithin's Well

Description of Well Item Type Metadata

1 Name of well and saint

St Baoithin’s Well

2 Townland, County, GPS

Cortown, Meath

3 Physical description of well and its surroundings

The Cortown G.A.A. was established in 1969 and the pitch named for the saint, Páirc Naomh Baoithin, opened in 1981.

“According to John O’Donovan the ruins of the ancient church which was dedicated to St Baoithin stood in Cortown townland and his well was about 100 perches southwest of it. North of the well is the hill called Cnockan Baoithin where the saint is said to have preached and baptized the pagan natives” (French 2012: 85).

5 Pattern day

The well “was famed for its Stations” (Thunder 1886: 657). May 22.

8 Stories

French gives additional information on St Baoithin, stating: “St Baoithin and St Colmcille left Ireland in 563 with Colmcille settling on the island of Iona. Baoithin became the abbot of the abbey in Tiree on a neighbouring island. When Colmcille died Baoithin succeeded him as abbot of Iona. Baothin lived for four further years until his death on 9 June 601 aged 65” ” (French 2012: 85).

9 Publications

Thunder, John M. “The Holy Wells of Meath.” The Journal of the Royal Historical and Archaeological Association of Ireland. Oct 1886-Jan 1887, pp 655-658.

French, Noel. 2012. Meath Holy Wells. Trim: Meath Heritage Centre.

10 More

Also called Tobar Baoithin and “Fons Gloriae” (Thunder 1886: 657).

Geolocation