Discover Alone, back to main map

Holy well in Anagaire

Holy well

What is recorded here

Anagaire in County Donegal may hold Tobar Naoimh Dhubhthaigh, a holy well linked to Naomh Dhubhthaigh and the four saints connected with Cnoc na Naomh. The exact spot has not been discovered, but the name preserves a older ritual landscape where water, prayer and memory belonged together. People may have visited it for healing, blessing or remembrance, carrying the saint’s name into daily life.
OS 41 (Precise location not discovered) 55. Described by Ó Muirgheasa in 1936 as 'Tobar Naoimh Dhubhthaigh is a Holy Well at Annagry. I have no information regarding its station. The four Saints from which Cnoc na Naomh, near Maghera roarty, in Cloghaneely, is called were: (1) Colmcille. (2) Naomh Beag-Mhileadh, or Begley. (3) Naomh Fhionnain. (4) Naomh Dhubhthaigh, or Duffy. (Ó Muirgheasa 1936, 152). (Ó Muirgheasa No. 50) The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 02 November 2011
The holy well in Anagaire is associated with Saint Dubhthach, one of the Four Saints of Knocknaomh, and is traditionally linked to healing rituals and the cure of various ailments. Local folklore suggests that the well was once a site of pilgrimage, with offerings and prayers made to the saint for protection and physical recovery.

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