Rag Well

Described as a ‘Rag Well’ in gothic script on the 1839 and 1940 eds of the OS 6-inch map, and situated on a very steep W-facing slope down to the N-S River Barrow/Nore. This is a natural spring in a rock pool that overflows into a muddy stream. There is no structure at the spring and there is no evidence that there was ever a rag tree or that it was ever venerated. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 2 August, 2012

Rag Well in Mountgarrett is traditionally associated with Saint Rag or Ragnall, a lesser-known early Irish saint, and is linked to the custom of leaving rags as offerings for healing or protection. The well’s name and the practice of tying rags to nearby trees or stones reflect a long-standing tradition of votive offerings at holy wells in Ireland, often connected to saintly intercession and folk healing.