St. Davids Well

Described in 1977 as a natural spring well dedicated to St. David, that is covered by a small rectangular stone built structure (int. dims. 1,73m E-W x 1.63m N-S; wall T 0.51m). The structure is built of rough rubble stones bonded with a rough mortar, no cut dressed stone visible. There is a small pointed doorway (Wth 0.75m; H 1.69m) in the NW corner leading down four small steps giving access to the spring well. The structure is now roofless but appears to have been roofed originally. There is a small flat stone projecting from the inside of the W wall just inside the doorway and on this have been placed some coins dating from 1918-1971. The structure is slightly covered in vegetation and is overshadowed by a large ash tree on its E side. The water from the well flows out under the W wall and into a drain to the S. In 1862, Reverend Cogan (1867, 497) recorded that there was a holy well dedicated to St. David in Ballinlaban, ‘which is still much frequented’. Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 28 March 2013

Linked to St. David, patron saint of Wales, the well is traditionally associated with healing properties, particularly for eye ailments. Such wells were often visited on St. David's Day (3 March) with rituals involving the collection of first water.