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Holy well in Lisfannan (fahan Ed)

Holy well

What is recorded here

Mouldy and Gollan Hills squeeze the sky into a narrow gap where a slab still holds back a spring that never stopped giving water. People built crosses on the hillside and raised a mound they called a friar's grave, as if death and prayer both belonged to the same place. The well does not need a name repeated to be believed; it only needs a cup, a deadline, and someone willing to drink before asking what the water knows.
The 'Holy Well' here consists of a natural spring covered by a slab. Just to the S is a mound of small stones known as the 'friar's grave' (DG038-002001-). Crosses have been formed on the hillside with small stones. It is situated in the N-S gap between Mouldy and Gollan Hills. There is a hilltop enclosure (DG038-001001-) on the ridge top immediately to SW. The above description was published in the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983).
The holy well at Lisfannan is traditionally associated with Saint Fachanan (Fahan), a 6th-century Irish saint known for his ascetic practices and healing miracles. The site's small stone crosses and the nearby "friar's grave" suggest a long history of Christian devotion and local pilgrimage.

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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