St. Columcilles Well

Below HWM to S of a graveyard (GA091-001002-). Two holy wells, both dedicated to St Columcille; (a) c. 170m SW of the graveyard is a large smooth basin-like rock pool, triangular in shape, in the outer flank of a rock outcrop; (b) close to LWM and c. 270m S of the graveyard is a large smooth pothole (D 1m) with some coins stuck in a cleft deep down in it (info. T. Robinson). Not visited. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. I - West Galway'. Compiled by Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1993). Date of upload: 05 August 2010

Linked to St. Columba (Columcille), a 6th-century Irish saint and founder of Iona, the well is associated with healing traditions and pilgrimage. The rock pool's basin-like form suggests ritual water use, and such sites were often believed to offer cures for ailments through immersion or drinking.