Holy Well — Tullaghan

On the ESE-facing slope of Tullaghan Hill, between the inner and outer enclosing walls of the cliff-edge fort (SL026-001001-) and close to the inner wall. An algae-covered pool (D 0.4m) filling an oval hollow (0.8m NW-SE; 0.6m NE-SW) cut into the hill-slope and enclosed by a roughly constructed U-shaped wall open to SE. The wall is little more than a jumble of stones and forms a substantial heap (Wth 1.5m; int. H 1.7m to the base of the well; ext. H 0.5m) on the upslope side N-NW but tapers off on either side of the pool towards the opening (Wth 0.5m) at SE. A simple modern wooden cross has been erected on top of the wall. This well is said to be one of the Mirabilia Hiberniae, or wonders of Ireland and is mentioned in 1185-6 by Giraldus Cambrensis as being 'in Connacht on the top of a high mountain and some distance from the sea, which in any one day ebbs and overflows three times, imitating the ebbing and flowing of the sea (O'Meara 1951, 44-5). O'Rorke (1878, 226-228) noted that 'pilgrimages to the well have ceased' though he also noted that there were still strong traditions associated with it, including the belief that the well sprang up at the prayer of St Patrick, that its water ebbed and flowed with the tide (the sea is c. 2km to N on the other side of the Ox Mountains) and that it was haunted by two trout. Kilgannon (1926, 276-7) writing over fifty years later noted a small crucifix and a 'little tin porringer...for the convenience of persons wishing to drink or sample the water'. In 1836 it was noted that the well was dedicated to St Patrick (OSL, 344-6). A large stone standing on end, and known locally as an 'altar' (SL026-001005-) was recorded by O'Rorke (1878, 226) 'fourteen feet [4.3m] west of the well' but this can no longer be located. O'Rorke (ibid.) also recorded a possible penitential cairn (SL026-001004-) close to the well. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Sligo' compiled by Ursula Egan, Elizabeth Byrne, Mary Sleeman with Sheila Ronan and Connie Murphy (Dublin Stationery Office, 2005). Date of upload: 18 January 2008