Holy well in Loughsallagh

Situated on a slight rise on a level landscape and within the graveyard (ME051-006001-). Cogan (1862-70, 1, 190) records that devotions at St. Michael’s well within the graveyard had been discontinued since c. 1810, but the well remains as a rectangular sunken area (dims 1.1m x 1.1m; D 1m) retained by drystone walling and with a grass-covered mound (Wth 1-1.5m; H 0.2-0.4m) around it on every side, except the W. There is no evidence of veneration, but traditionally it had a cure for toothache and the customary offerings were pins (IFC, Schools Collection, 689, 11, 24). (French 2012, 90-1) Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of revised upload: 24 April, 2019

The holy well is associated with St. Michael and was historically visited for devotional purposes, likely linked to local traditions of healing or protection. By the early 19th century, such devotions had fallen out of practice, though the site's earlier significance within the graveyard suggests it was once an important place of pilgrimage or ritual.