Cromogue in Laois is about 3 or 4 Kms from Shanahoe which itself is not far from Abbeyleix.
It's a very rural, quiet and tranquil spot and the Holy Well here is carefully maintained and looked after.
Saint Fintan is closely associated with Clonenagh near Mountrath where he is reputed to have established a Monastery in 548.
There's a nice little Bullaun Stone by a little stream which runs from the site and the water in the Well is very clear and looks like it is coming straight up from a spring.
There is a nearby early medieval church ruin which is belived to have originally been constructed in the 12th Century although most of the present church would be of a later date.
The church is dedicated to Saint Fintan and it's understood that an ancient road or Togher once ran from here to the Monastery at Clonenagh near Mountrath.
The doorway into the church is believed to date from the 12th Century and beside it is the ruin of a tower. A lot of the headstones in the graveyard date from the 1700's.
It's believed that Saint Fintan lived at Cromogue before he left and established his Monastery at Clonenagh.
Saint Fintan's feast day falls on 17th February and although I'm not sure I believe that services or worship are held here on that day.
The roads to Cromogue are small and rural and very quiet, perfect for a cycle on a nice summers day. The name is often spelled both Cromogue and Cromoge on maps.
There was also a Well dedicated to Saint Fintan at Clonenagh and another at Durrow in Laois. The Well at Clonenagh dried up and at Durrow I couldn't locate it although it may be there somewhere under loose vegetation.
Coordinates here:
52°57'27.4"N 7°24'54.4"W
52.957618, -7.415098
