Seir Kieran NS, Clareen, Birr, Co. Offaly

Saint Kieran’s Bush

St Kieran’s bush is situated about one kilometre from Clareen cross on the Clareen to Roscrea road. The bush is easily identified from all the items which have been attached to the bush over many years. The people of the parish have great attachment to this bush and tie medals, strings, twines, bits of clothing etc. on it. The bush here fell in 1884 but a young one was growing at the time and this now occupies the site.

There is a story told of a gentleman who wanted to remove the bush but his workmen refused to have anything to do with the removal. After sometime they consented on condition that the gentleman himself would strike the first stroke. Accordingly the gentleman did so and he was subsequently stricken with facial paralysis. He died shortly after that.

This is the second station on St. Kieran’s Day and a number of prayers are recited at the bush. There is a local custom whereby motorists drive to the left of the bush when travelling from Roscrea to Clareen.

St. Kieran’s Well

St. Kieran's well is situated in a field a few metres off the road which leads from Clareen to Roscrea. It is surrounded by an iron railing and a number of steps lead down to the well. The well has a reputation of never going dry.

St. Kieran's well is the ultimate focus of devotion at St. Kieran. It is the first station in the procession on St. Kieran's Day and pilgrims return to the well daily, often after dark during the Octave. The pilgrims circle the well three times clockwise while saying prayers at the same time.