What is recorded here

St. Brendans Wells are three natural springs on a grassy Galway slope where people still perform turrises and drop coins beneath rocks. The best-preserved well wears a small D-shaped stone wall beside a tree, while an underground stream carries water north toward the main flow. They remain a living ritual place, marking the kind of ordinary devotion that never needed permission to continue.

On a N-facing slope in grassland, at the foot of a rock outcrop. This is one of a series of three holy wells, all natural springs, dedicated to St Brendan (GA098-068001-, GA098-068002-, and GA098-068003-). GA098-068003- is located c. 25m to the E of GA098-068001-, and 2m to the S of GA098-068002-. GA098-068003- is the best-preserved of the three wells. It is defined by a D-shaped drystone wall (1.8m EW; 1.2m NS; D 0.9m), with a tree growing beside it. An underground stream flows N from this well towards the main stream, which runs from GA098-068001-. There was a cross (GA098-068----) located between the W and E wells. The OS Letters (O’Flanagan 1927, Vol. 2, 80) mention two ‘very celebrated holy wells called (…) St Brendan’s well’ where ‘turrises are performed on Sundays and Fridays’, and when last visited a jar containing coins beneath an adjacent rock suggested it was still in use at the time. Compiled by: Galway Archaeological Survey, UCG Date of upload: 9 January 2023

Linked to St. Brendan the Navigator, these wells are associated with healing traditions and pilgrimages, particularly for curing ailments of the eyes and general wellness. Local folklore attributes the wells' powers to the saint’s spiritual influence and his legendary travels.

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