Calliaghstown Well facts for kids

Calliaghstown Well, also known as St. Columbkille's Well, is a special place called a holy well. It is also a National Monument in County Meath, Ireland. This means it's a protected historical site.

Where is Calliaghstown Well Located?

Calliaghstown Well is found in a peaceful spot in County Meath. It's right next to a road, just off the R150. You can find it about 4.5 kilometers (about 2.8 miles) south of Drogheda. It's also near the famous River Boyne. If you travel west from Julianstown, it's about 5 kilometers (about 3.1 miles) away.

What is the History of Calliaghstown Well?

For a long time, Calliaghstown Well has been a significant place for local people. It was a traditional site for pilgrimage. A pilgrimage is a special journey people make to a holy place for religious reasons. Every year on June 9th, a special event called a "pattern" would take place here. This was a gathering where people would come to pray and celebrate.

The Special Statue

At the well, there is a statue that is about 1 meter (3.3 feet) tall. It was likely put there in the mid-1700s. People call this statue St Colm Cille. However, the statue looks a bit different from how St. Colm Cille is usually shown. He is often seen wearing a monk's habit, which is a special type of clothing worn by monks. But this statue wears a mantle (a type of cloak) and a crown. Even though he came from a royal family, this look is not typical for him. The statue is made from a type of limestone called oolitic limestone. This stone is similar to the famous Bath stone found in England.