Rosary and crucifix votive offering, Ireland, 1900-1930

Coloured beads from a rosary and lead crucifix attached to a twig, from St. Kieran's Well, a sacred well with supposed healing properties, Clareen, Offaly, Irish, 1900-1930

Found at St Kieran’s Well in Clareen, Offaly, Ireland, this rag wrapped around a twig was left in the hope of receiving a cure for an illness – the well was believed to have healing properties. Prayers would have been made before the rosary was left at the well – usually tied with others to the branches of a nearby tree, which became known as a fairy tree. It is shown here with a rag and a twig (A95427), other items found at the well.