St. Bernards Well

On S slopes of Knockroe hill. A natural spring well enclosed by a circular stone wall (D 3.4m) with access at S. The well occupies N half of the enclosure and is cut off from S half by a low stone wall. Three steps at W end of this wall lead down to the well. Three niches are visible on the inner face of W half of the enclosing wall: that to S is blocked up, while that to N is partially blocked, the central one contains votive offerings including part of a crucifix (Topgr. Files, OPW). According to OS Letters (O'Flanagan 1927, Vol. 1, 139), this well was known locally by some people as 'Toberpatrick', and others as 'St. Bernard's well' others again asserted that there was both a 'Toberpatick and a Tober Bernard' in the area. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. II - North Galway'. Compiled by Olive Alcock, Kathy de hÓra and Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999). Date of upload: 05 August 2010

St. Bernards Well is associated with Saint Bernard, traditionally venerated for his healing powers, particularly in the treatment of cattle diseases. The site reflects a long-standing tradition of holy wells linked to saintly intercession and seasonal rituals in rural Irish communities.