St. Donaghs Well

St. Donagh's Well stood on the S bank of river which has been deepened and a linear park developed either side of it. No surface remains visible. Ó Danachair (1958, 77) recorded the following details about this holy well; 'A small pool, about fifteen feet [4.5m] in diameter, overhung by a large ash tree. The water is remarkably good and was formerly held in great estimation for the curing of all disorders for which purpose it was much frequented. OSNB [Ordnance Survey Name Books]. Mrs. King says that a few people come to it on St. John's Eve and drink some water and on retiring hang up their votive rag"- do. There are no devotions now'. Site of St. Donagh's Well was described in 1985 as; 'St. Donagh's well, near the river in the grounds of Donaghmede House, which was at one time a popular place of devotion. The well has been covered in'(Appleyard 1985, 152). Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 17 April 2023

St. Donagh's Well is associated with the saint of the same name, traditionally venerated in parts of Ireland for his role in early Christian missionary activity. The well was likely used for healing rituals, as was common with many holy wells linked to saints, though specific cures or traditions connected to this site are not clearly recorded.