What is recorded here

Abbey Well is a circular limestone spring in the northwest suburbs of Tuam, County Galway, located one hundred metres from the Abbey of the Holy Trinity. It stood in marshy grassland before housing estates closed around it, suggesting neighbours may have valued its water enough to preserve the ancient wall. The steps and southern opening still invite a person downward, keeping the ritual purpose alive beneath modern life.

In NW suburbs of Tuam town (GA029-199----), 100m NNE of the 'Abbey of the Holy Trinity' (GA029-178----); formerly in level marshy grassland but now surrounded by a housing estate. Well-preserved spring well defined by a circular cemented limestone wall, capped by a series of limestone blocks and opening out to S. Access is gained via a series of steps. It may have been associated with the abbey. Another possible holy well (GA029-175----) lies 160m to NNE. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. II - North Galway'. Compiled by Olive Alcock, Kathy de hÓra and Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999). Date of upload: 05 August 2010

Linked to the nearby Abbey of the Holy Trinity, the well is traditionally associated with Saint Jarlath, the 6th-century founder of the monastery in Tuam. Locally, it was visited for cures related to skin ailments and general well-being, with pilgrims often leaving coins or small offerings at the site.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.