What is recorded here
On the hilltop at Racoo, three adjacent springs burst from the earth like the leaves of a shamrock, marking a holy well near an old graveyard. St. Patrick is said to have founded the first church there, while the Litany of Aenghus Ceile De names seven bishops of Rath Cunge. The water flows without recorded stations, inviting wonder rather than ritual certainty.
Unlocated holy well within the townland of Ballymagrorty Scotch, listed by Ó Muirgheasa as well no. 10 (Ó Muirgheasa 1936, 145). Described in 1936 by Ó Muirgheasa as, 'Near the old graveyard (DG103-011001-) on the hilltop at Racoo is a well issuing in three adjacent springs like the leaves of a shamrock. Has the repute of being a Holy Well, but no stations. St. Patrick founded the first church here, and the Litany of Aenghus Ceile De' mentions " The seven bishops of Rath Cunge" , (Ó Muirgheasa 1936, 145). There is a well indicated on the 1900 ed. OS 6-inch map located 150m N of the graveyard (DG103-011001-) which may be the holy well.
Compiled by Caimin O'Brien
Date of upload/revision: 05 January 2012
Linked to an unspecified saint or local tradition, the well was noted near an old graveyard, suggesting a possible connection to early Christian burial or veneration practices. No specific cures or folklore are recorded in the available sources.
The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.
- What survives
- Recorded monument
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