Holy well in Leitir Calaidh — Report the wrong picture

What is recorded here

Leitir Calaidh in County Galway holds Tobairín na Leacracha, a shallow rock basin on the eastern shore of Cuan Chill Chiaráin where people still set belt buckles into its rim and tuck offerings beneath a crude concrete canopy. The well is small, barely twenty centimetres deep, yet it collects more than water: it collects time, memory and the stubborn human belief that even a forgotten coast can receive what is given.

On the shore at HWM on E side of Cuan Chill Chiaráin. Known locally as Tobairín na Leacracha, it consists of a natural shallow rock basin (D 0.2m) with a modern belt buckle set into its rim. A small canopy of concrete blocks has been built over it, opening towards W, and many modern offerings are visible (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

Linked to Saint Ciarán, the well is associated with healing and protection, particularly for children’s ailments. Locally, it is believed that the waters have curative properties and that making an offering, such as placing a personal item like a belt buckle, enhances the prayer’s efficacy.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.