Holy Well

Some 65m N of the church (GA076-020001-). According to the OS Letters (O'Flanagan 1927a, Vol. 3, 78), this well was dedicated to 'Saint Mac Dara and much venerated by people of the neighbouring shores'. On inspection in August 1984 it could not be located. It may have been a small natural spring that had dried up. (Hardiman 1846, 98; Robinson 1985, 32) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Updated by: Olive Alcock Date of revised upload: 1 June 2018

Dedicated to Saint Mac Dara, the well is associated with the saint's legendary connection to the area and is believed to have healing properties, particularly for ailments of the eyes and skin. Saint Mac Dara is traditionally linked to the nearby island of Cara, where he is said to have lived as a hermit.