Historic well in Meath discovered and set for restoration during Navan upgrades
A 10-metre-deep historic well has been discovered in Meath as regeneration works in Navan progress.
It is now undergoing restoration, which is due to be completed by the end of October.
The discovery at Navan’s Old Sheep Market revealed a perfectly lined shaft of dry-stone walling, just 0.88 metres in diameter, containing a lead pipe that may once have been part of an early pumping system.
The well’s construction suggests a gravity-fed or siphon-based mechanism, possibly serving as a crucial water source for the community long before modern utilities arrived.
The well does not appear on any known historical maps — until now, it had been completely undocumented.
Restoration works include the installation of internal lighting and a glass top cover, designed to both protect and showcase the well as a feature within the redeveloped public space.
According to local archaeologist Clare Ryan, the well’s presence is particularly noteworthy given the work of Bishop Nulty, who lived in Navan during the late 19th century and was a strong advocate for access to clean water.
“He dammed a small stream that meanders through the nuns' field, flowing into the canal beneath the bridge just past what is known as the 'Finger Post',” she said.
“His innovative use of Athlumney Castle to create a dam on a local stream and install a gravity-fed water system for his residence serves as a key example of early civic infrastructure."
"Bishop Nulty’s system, utilising an elevated header tank on the castle roof, enabled water to be piped to the parochial house and nearby properties at a time when Navan had no municipal water supply.”
Ms Ryan also highlighted the historical documentation of water in the town. According to her, the water conditions from wells around Navan are recorded in the Navan Town Commissioners Meetings of 1893. The well identified as The Bishops, supplying the schoolhouse at Fairgreen, is likely the newly discovered well. Its water was described as the best of the 16 wells investigated in the town.
“The discovery of the Church Hill well, complete with infrastructure indicative of a siphon or gravity-fed water supply, raises the possibility that it could have been part of these early efforts, either associated with or inspired by Bishop Nulty’s initiatives. While direct evidence is lacking, the site's proximity to known historical activities and its technological similarities lend support to this interpretation,” she said.
“Navan’s reliance on wells and springs before 1896 is well-documented, with various public wells distributed throughout the town’s medieval core. The Toberorum well on Toberorum Lane is a notable example."
She added: “The rediscovery of the Church Hill well not only adds to this historical landscape but may also provide a material link to Bishop Nulty’s broader water initiatives, reinforcing the role of ecclesiastical innovation in the development of local public health infrastructure.”
Local councillor Emer Tóibín expressed her “delight” at the discovery.
“More history and heritage make Navan look so much more interesting,” she said.
Meanwhile, other parts of the Navan 2030 project are progressing.
Cllr Tóibín confirmed that Fairgreen and Church Hill reopened to two-way traffic on Tuesday evening.
“Contractors have removed the large ESB poles, diverted overhead power cables underground, and carried out road marking, signage, and essential drainage improvements,” she said.
Paving along the widened footpath outside St. Mary’s Parish Parochial House and the C.Y.W.S. Hall is ongoing, with granite slabs expected to be installed next month.
At Bakery Lane, crews are continuing with utility upgrades and preparing the foundation for new granite paving.
“This paving will extend from Trimgate Mall to Fairgreen,” Cllr Tóibín explained, “with pedestrian access now directed via Trimgate Street while works progress.”
Lighting upgrades are also underway in Old Cornmarket Laneway, Church Hill, and Fairgreen, alongside localised paving and snagging works.
On Paddy O’Brien Street, construction has begun on a new bus stop outside Eason’s. A one-way traffic system will remain in place until November 14, with the stop temporarily relocated to the Kennedy Road Bus Interchange.