Holy well in Málainn Bhig

In rough, heather covered grazing land, on the Sw facing slope of Leahan Mountain with good view of Rathlin O'Birne Island to the west. According to local information this stone lined circular well (diam. 0.6m) was dedicated to St. Assicus and was known locally as St. Assicus's Well. Described by O'Muirgheasa as 'On the west or Malinbeg side of Sliabh Laig, it is said the remains of the walls of the house or church of St. Assicus of Elphin are still to be seen, and nearby a Holy Well bearing his name, but there is no turas performed there now. Assicus was made bishop by St. Patrick and placed at Elphin, but to atone for some supposed fault, or perhaps through his dislike for the Elphin people, he is said to have spent the end of his life as a hermit on this mountain. He is buried at Rathcoo, near Ballintra.' (O Muirgheasa 1936, 149-50). (O Muirgheasa No. 28)

Dedicated to Saint Bkenn or Bennán, the holy well in Málainn Bhig is traditionally associated with healing and protection. Local folklore suggests that the saint was a hermit who lived in the area, and the well was visited for cures, particularly for eye ailments and livestock diseases.