Lady Well

Natural spring well in a waterlogged area at the foot of an ash tree with castle (DU005-004----) 50m to S. Lady Well described in 1958 as a 'small well lined with stones with a slow spring of clear water among the roots of an old ash tree. The well was visited and prayers said there during living memory; the water was applied to sore eyes and was drunk for the relief of toothache headache. Rags were hung on the tree as offerings. Known locally as 'Lady Well' ' (Ó Danachair 1958, 2, 72). Holy well described by Henry A. Wheeler in 1973 as a 'muddy pool at foot of large ash-tree. Described to me by local informant as having rags tied on to the bush or tree, but I did not see any' (SMR File 21/03/1973; 18/07/1974). Could also be referred to as Graham's well (Skyvova, 2005, 65) Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 11 April 2023

Linked to a tradition of the "Lady," possibly a local saint or holy figure, the well may have been a site of Marian devotion, common in many Irish holy wells. The presence of a nearby castle suggests a possible historical connection to a local noble or ecclesiastical family.