Discover Alone, back to main map

Doaghcoona

Holy well

What is recorded here

In low-lying marshy ground to E of a small stream. A small semicircular well (E-W 1.57, N-S 0.6m) enclosed by a mortared stone wall and accessible via an entrance gap and step at SE. According to local information, a bishop who resided in the vicinity of the well used its water to baptise children. An inscribed slab, 'Kirwan 1706', (GA056-034001-) leans against E side. 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 Bisius (or Bis), a 7th-century Irish saint associated with healing and wells, the site is traditionally visited for cures related to skin ailments and general well-being. The well's enclosure and orientation suggest a long-standing devotional practice, with local folklore emphasizing the importance of making a pilgrimage and offering at the site.

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

What survives
Recorded monument

Places near here

Add to this placeAdd a picture Comment or add a tip

Explore 1,118,481 places