What is recorded here

In Dooey, an unlocated well still holds the memory of St. Connell’s first arrival. Tradition says he drank from it after a long journey, slept beside it, and woke with a seagull’s egg in his hand. The gull flew toward Inniskeel, guiding him to the land that became his monastery. The well remains a marker of that strange, generous beginning.

Unlocated holy well within the townland of Dooey, the precise location of which has not been identified. Described by Ó Muirgheasa in 1936 as 'There is a very remarkable well in Dooey (near Lettermacaward), connected by tradition with St. Connell's first visit to these parts." My authority for this is Dr. Maguire's Hist. of the Diocese of Raphoe, I, p. 24I. Whether stations are still performed at it or not, I know not' (Ó Muirgheasa 1936, 151). According to the History of the Diocese of Raphoe there was 'a remarkable well in Dooey, connected by tradition with St. Conal's first visit to these parts. he had travelled a long distance in search of a site for a monastery, and having slept soundly, after a refreshing drink from this well, he awoke to find a seagull's egg in his outstretched hand. Then raising his eyes, he discerned the gull hovering over him, and slowly directing her flight to Inniskeel, whether he followed, and was rewarded for his pains by the concession of a generous grant of land for his contemplated monastery' (Maguire 1920, 241). (Ó Muirgheasa No. 42) Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision : 04 November 2011

Linked to Saint Macaward (Seán Mac an Bhaird), the well is associated with healing traditions and was historically visited for its supposed curative properties, particularly for ailments of the eyes and skin. Local folklore suggests that the well's waters were especially potent on Saint Macaward's feast day.

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