St. Jamess Well

In pasture, at the base of a ridge. A clear spring rises at the base of the ridge and flows S. Modern holy plaques and statues indicate that this well is still visited. A recently built stone wall encloses it. In 1836 it was noted that the Patron day was 25th July and that 'stations' were still performed at it (OSL, 245). In 1942-4 a local tradition was recorded that the well was moved by a local friar from a site beside Geevagh Creamery, c. 3.5km to SE, to its present location after the landowner objected to pilgrims visiting it (ITA). A tree now grows adjacent to the well. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Sligo' compiled by Ursula Egan, Elizabeth Byrne, Mary Sleeman with Sheila Ronan and Connie Murphy (Dublin Stationery Office, 2005). Date of upload: 18 January 2008

St. James’s Well is associated with St. James the Greater, one of the Twelve Apostles, and is traditionally linked to cures for eye ailments and general healing. The well has been a site of pilgrimage and devotion, with modern markers indicating its continued use in folk religious practices.