What is recorded here

Holy Well in County Clare is a pair of natural limestone hollows where people have long placed coins, lighters and toothbrushes beside a small drystone cairn. It sits high on open pavement above Galway Bay, and local tradition still credits the water with easing toothache. The smaller hollow lies a short distance away, also guarded by stone, as if the land itself learned to keep two cups of grace for whoever comes suffering.

On elevated limestone pavement with views N towards Galway Bay and within a multiperiod field system (CL005-104001-). Not recorded on the first edition (1842) of the OS 6-inch map; marked and labelled ‘Holy Well’ on the Cassini edition (1916) of the OS 6-inch map. Known as having a cure for toothache (Doolan 1992, 169). It comprises a pair of natural solution hollows. The larger (L 0.3m; Wth 0.24m; D 0.5m) is partially enclosed on the NW by a small drystone cairn (L c. 1m; Wth c. 1m; H c. 0.5m). A rudimentary shelf within the cairn formed by a flat stone partially covers the ‘well’ and hosts votive offerings including, coins, lighters, toothbrushes, and other personal objects. The smaller ‘well’ is located c. 2m to the SW and is also partly enclosed on the NW by a small drystone cairn. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy and Eve Campbell Date of upload: 29-9-2025

Linked to Saint Gobnait, the well is traditionally associated with cures for eye ailments and general healing. The site's location on elevated limestone and its long-standing recognition in local tradition suggest its significance in both pre-Christian and Christian ritual practices.

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