2001:1298 - BRIDESWELL BIG, Wexford

Excavation took place here between 12 May and 4 June 2001. The work was undertaken with Easca Mór Tobar Bríde Heritage Group to excavate a holy well site and to determine and recommend future archaeological mitigation of the development with a view to restoring the holy well and associated structures.

The site, formerly SMR 6:38–39 but since delisted, was on the north-west-facing slope of Slieve Gower, within pastureland, c. 180m OD. The underlying bedrock juts out here and forces the groundwater to the surface, creating a sandy, marshy area on the side of the hill where the well is situated. The predominant soil is of a Clonroche type, with localised pockets of grey marl.

The remains of two circular mortared stone structures were excavated, as well as two culverted channels. The channels fed water into and out of one of the structures. The excavation showed that the drains and structure were designed as integral components of the well. The circular structure was designed to retain spring water. Excavation was unable to determine the exact function of the second circular structure. One was designed as an open structure while the other originally retained a corbelled roof, of which much of the collapse remained in the structure. Some of this material was reused as paving around the well site. This indicates that the second structure was not primary to the site’s purpose, since its collapse did not lead to abandonment of the whole site. The second structure was never rebuilt.

Artefacts retrieved from the site, mainly glass and pottery, indicated that the site was in use from the 17th–18th century to the 20th century. In particular, one 17th–18th-century sherd was found within the foundation level of the first circular structure.

7 Roselawn Close, Cashel, Co. Tipperary