Altar in Dromard

Within a small wall enclosure in which are also two adjoining holy wells dedicated to St. Patrick (SL019-151001-) and St. Brigid (SL019-151002-) respectively. Recorded by Wood-Martin (1882, 358) as 'a simple altar shaded by a spreading oak tree' it consists of a plain rectangular stone structure (1.35m x 1.75m) bearing a Latin inscription dated 1821. Local information records that it came from the old church at Chapel Street, Sligo, and was moved to this location' (SMR (1989) file). Compiled by: Paul Walsh Date of upload: 19 January 2011

The altar in Dromard is associated with the holy wells of St. Patrick and St. Brigid, reflecting the syncretic nature of early Irish Christian sites where multiple saints were venerated together. Such altars were often used for prayer, offerings, and healing rituals, and their placement within a walled enclosure suggests a long-standing tradition of local devotion and protection.