What is recorded here

John Ferrall of Ardenragh gave his ground in 1730 to build a chapel and mark the well for the Blessed Virgin Mary. The water still rises through outcropping rock beside a whitethorn bush decorated with memorabilia, while the stone plaque carries the Virgin and Child above his prayer for his family.

Within an extensive area of outcropping rock. This natural spring is enclosed by a low wall on the W, N and E sides, an opening in the NW corner allows access. The S wall is more substantial (L 2m; H 1.5m; T 0.65m) and contains an inscribed stone plaque. On the upper half of the plaque is a carving in false relief of the Virgin and Child with an IHS monogram carved in the top right-hand corner. The lower half bears the following inscription: 'Pray for John Ferrall of / Ardenragh Esq. Consort / and family who erected this monument and left / the ground where of ye Chapple and Well / stands in Honr. of the / Blessed Virgin Mary / Ano Domi 1730'. A whitethorn bush (LF023-040001-) grows beside the well at the E and both the well and bush are adorned with religious memorabilia. The site of a chapel (LF023-039----) and a bullaun (LF023-041----) lie c. 10m to the NW and c. 44m to the SW respectively. (English 1971, 147) Compiled by: Paul Walsh Date of upload: 07 June 2013

Linked to a local tradition of healing, the Lady Well is associated with a female saint or spirit, possibly St. Brigid, whose festivals often coincide with water-based rituals for fertility and protection. The well’s enclosure and directional access suggest a structured pattern of veneration, common in early Christian and pre-Christian Celtic practices.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.