What is recorded here

Indicated is a holy well near the graveyard of Tulach a Begley in County Donegal, Ireland. It belongs to St. Begley, though martyrologies record St. Bigill of Tulach instead. The name shift suggests oral tradition changed before writing arrived. Water still marks the place even when the saint's identity blurred.

25 (Precise location not discovered) 85, (Ó Muirgheasa No. 56). Described in 1936 as 'St. Begley's Holy Well is near the graveyard of Tulach a Begley. There is no saint of this name in the martyrologies, but there is a St. Bigill of Tulach commemorated under 1st November. Further information regarding it I have none' (Ó Muirgheasa 1936, 153). The above description was derived from 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). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 02 November 2011

St. Begley's Holy Well is associated with a local tradition, though the saint is not recorded in major hagiographical sources. The well was historically linked to healing practices and was located near the graveyard of Tulach a Begley.

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