What is recorded here

Cloonoran Well lies dormant 150m north of Castle Bellew, reduced to rubble and shadow beneath a cluster of trees. Yet tradition insists the northeast tree still hides curative water inside its hollow trunk, waiting for a thirsty hand. The stone basin vanished, but the lifeblood of the place migrated upward into wood and bark. What died in the earth may have simply changed vessels, continuing its quiet work of healing through the rings of the tree instead of the walls of a well.

Some 150m N of Castle Bellew (GA045-009001-). A dried-up holy well, the site of which is marked by a pile of rubble and a group of trees. According to Claffey (1983, 149), 'The tree to the north-east of the group is reputed to have curative water that lodges in a hollow in its trunk'. 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 Saint Gobnait, the well was traditionally associated with cures for eye ailments and general healing. Local folklore suggests that the well's waters were believed to have miraculous properties, and rituals involving nine rounds around the site were once performed.

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