St. Doolaghs Holy Well

Octagonal Baptistry

The last items of interest to be seen on the grounds of St. Doolaghs are the rumoured three holy wells. The first is believed to be connected to the small octagonal structure known as the Baptistery, which has become famous in its own right as it can boast as being the last known surviving detached baptistery in the country. In 1609 the inside of this unique structure was decorated with frescoes of various saints popular in Ireland. These unfortunately no longer exist and are said to have been destroyed by a Sir Richard Bulkeley from Dunlavin on his return from the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.

St. Catherine’s Pond

Adjacent to the octagonal baptistry is an open-air pool with stone seating, known as St Catherine’s pond. It has been said  that the baptistry was for the baptism of boys and that the pool was for the baptism of girls, but it is more likely that the pool is for adult baptism by full immersion, with the small baptistery being reserved for the baptisim of children.

The Well House

Just after St. Catherine’s pond there is another building which appears to be some sort of a well house. Unfortunatly at the end of the steps the enterance is blocked by an iron gate. All waters appear to have dried up and some say that the expansion works on the nearby road caused the well to dry up. Access to the wells is through the church grounds.

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