Holy well in Glinsce

On N side of Cnoc Buí. Known locally as Tobar Muire, it consists of a small cavity, in which rain-water lodges, on a slanting outcrop of smooth rock. The opening is usually covered by a small flat stone and the well is delimited by a low horseshoe-shaped drystone wall (1.6m by c. 1.5m) opening to S. A small flagstone projecting from the wall above the well carries a few modern offerings. (Robinson 1985, 19-20) 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

Linked to Saint Mary (Muire), the well is traditionally associated with healing and protection, with local folklore suggesting that water collected at dawn has particular efficacy for curing ailments. The practice of covering the well with a flat stone may reflect an effort to preserve the sacred water or prevent desecration.