Holy well in Ballynakill

In 1942-4 it was recorded that a well known as 'Tobar Lastra', also called locally 'The Cove Well', was situated on Miss Lang's land and was visited by pilgrims in the past; Mass was said there during penal times and a 'mass stone' was removed from there some years ago (ITA). The exact location of this well is not known. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Sligo' compiled by Ursula Egan, Elizabeth Byrne, Mary Sleeman with Sheila Ronan and Connie Murphy (Dublin Stationery Office, 2005). Date of upload: 18 January 2008

The holy well in Ballynakill, known as Tobar Lastra or 'The Cove Well', is associated with Saint Lastra, a lesser-known early Irish saint; it was a site of pilgrimage and clandestine Masses during Penal Times, reflecting its importance in the preservation of Catholic faith and practice. Locally, it may have been venerated for its healing properties, as was common with many holy wells in Ireland.