Holy well in Glencraff

On hillside on N side of Glencraff. It consists of a natural spring in an irregular rock cleft under the lower edge of a slanting flagstone. Though there are no signs of offerings, the well is associated locally with a St Craff. There is a hawthorn 10m to NW and a remarkable water-worn flagstone 11m to S (info. T. Robinson). Not visited. 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

The holy well in Glencraff is traditionally linked to Saint Swithun, a 9th-century bishop of Winchester, and is associated with healing waters, particularly for ailments of the eyes and joints. Though no physical remains of a chapel or shrine exist, local folklore recalls that the well was once visited by pilgrims who sought cures by drinking from or bathing in its waters.