Ladys Well

In pastureland. On inspection in September 1985, this holy well was enclosed by an unroofed rectangular structure (4.2m E-W; 3.3m N-S) constructed of unworked mortared limestone (H 1.8m; Wth 0.5m). A glass-covered alcove in the centre of the external face of the S wall, which was rendered and white washed, contained a statue of Our Lady. Two concrete steps had been built below the alcove. The structure was partially covered with ivy and a number of rags had been tied to this overgrowth on the E and S walls. Access to the well was gained through a gap (Wth 0.7m) at E and it was fed by a stream to the NE. Two more wells were visible, 2m and c. 4.5m respectively, to the E of the structure. Both were surrounded by drystone walls. The most easterly well (diam. 1.1m; ext. H 0.4m) was accessed through a narrow gap (Wth 0.4m) at E and crude stone steps lead down to the water. The W well was of similar construction but it did not appear to be in use and was grass covered. Small cairns (see GA125-001001-) were visible to the NW, NE and SE. During the 1990s, works were carried out here and the structure was roofed (pers. comm. B. O'Reilly). The plaster was removed from the S wall, the ivy was cut back and the area was landscaped. A medieval doorway (GA125-001002-) accessing the enclosed area around the wells and cairns may be associated with the Franciscan friary (GA125-058002-) c. 245m to the SSE. The following image has been uploaded: GA125-001002-_01.jpg View from WNW Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 21 July 2023

Linked to a local tradition of healing, Ladys Well is associated with a female saint or spirit, common in Irish holy well lore where such sites are often dedicated to "The Lady" or the Virgin Mary. The glass-covered alcove suggests a 19th- or 20th-century addition to protect the well, reflecting ongoing veneration and the role of holy wells in both Christian and pre-Christian healing practices.