What is recorded here

St. Catherines Well is a ritual site in County Galway, Ireland. The spring is enclosed by a small roughly D-shaped mortared stone wall with three steps leading down to the water. It sits seventy metres southeast of an ecclesiastical building and now serves livestock rather than prayer. The change from sacred drinking water to animal drinking water is not a loss but a continuation of the well’s purpose: giving life to those who come thirsty.

In pastureland, 70m SE of an ecclesiastical building (GA087-0533001-). This spring well is enclosed by a small roughly D-shaped mortared stone wall (NW-SE 1.6m, NE-SW 1.3m). There is a gap at NE where three steps lead down to the water. Now used for watering livestock. 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

Linked to St. Catherine of Alexandria, the well is traditionally associated with cures for skin ailments and female infertility. Pilgrimages and offerings, such as coins and ribbons, are part of the local tradition, reflecting a blend of Christian and pre-Christian healing practices.

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