Holy Well

Marked as a 'Holy Well', on the 2nd and 3rd editions of the OS 6-inch maps. There are now no special features, or traditions, associated with it. It is located on good land. 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. Date of upload: 22 September 2008 Excavation licence number 01E0233 Monitoring was carried out on 20 and 21 March 2001 on the site of the proposed development of sixteen two-storey semi-detached dwelling-houses and associated services and access road at Lisnenan, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal. The proposed development is on a south-facing slope, at the base of which there is a holy well, marked on the 2nd and 3rd editions of the OS 6-inch maps. No traditions are associated with the well. The underlying geology consists of a compact mid-brown gravelly silt with inclusions of frequent small to medium-sized, both rounded and angular, stones. This stratum consistently overlay a mid-olive to yellowish-brown sandy silty boulder clay and schist bedrock exposed at the base of excavations. Nothing of archaeological significance was noted during the course of monitoring. (Excavations Bulletin 2001) Declan Moore, Moore Archaeological and Environmental Services Ltd, 200 Dún na Coiribe, Galway. Excavation licence number 01E0287 Monitoring of topsoil-stripping was carried out at Lisnenan, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, on 13 November 2001 on the proposed location of five private residences, associated driveway and services. The site is on a steep west-facing slope in pasture with occasional rock outcrops. Letterkenny is visible to the west. At the base of the slope is a holy well. The area stripped measured c. 110m north-south by 40m. The underlying geology consists of a compact mid-brown gravelly silt with inclusions of frequent small to medium-sized rounded and angular stones. This stratum consistently overlay a mid-olive to yellowish brown sandy silt boulder clay and schist bedrock exposed at the base of excavations. Nothing of archaeological significance was noted during the course of monitoring. (Excavations Bulletin 2001) Declan Moore, Moore Archaeological and Environmental Services Ltd, 200 Dún na Coiribe, Galway.

Linked to an unidentified saint or local tradition, the Holy Well at Lisnenan was historically marked on Ordnance Survey maps but no specific cures, rituals, or folklore are recorded in association with it. Its significance has been lost over time, leaving little trace of its original religious or cultural use.