What is recorded here
Holy well in Ceathrú An Teampaill: A rectangular stone box, 1.4m long and 0.75m wide, holds a natural spring close to the north shore of Inis Meáin. Local story claims St Isleamáin landed there while sailing past, drank water in thirst, and left knee and hand prints in the ground beside it. The well remains a small ritual place where an ordinary drink becomes tied to a saint’s journey and the memory of a wet, tired body on a remote coast.
Close to N shore of Inis Meáin. Dedicated to St Isleamáin, who when 'sailing by, is said to have landed in search of water and left the prints of his knees and hands in the ground by the well' (Robinson 1980). It consists of a natural spring defined by a rectangular setting of slabs (L 1.4m, Wth 0.75m).
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993).
Date of upload: 05 August 2010
Dedicated to St Isleamáin, the well is associated with the tradition of the saint landing on the island in search of water, leaving behind the imprints of his knees and hands in the earth. This legend reflects the broader Irish hagiographic motif of saints imprinting their presence on the landscape through miraculous means.
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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