St Josephs Well

At HWM on S shore close to the head of Killary Harbour and c. 20m from road. It consisted of a hollow (not a spring), now filled in, which was situated in SW corner of a small, low, subrectangular drystone enclosure (L 3.5m, Wth 2.3m) with an entrance on S side. The base of a modern concrete cross is visible at W end. A fish used to be seen in the hollow but the well has not been frequented recently (pers. comm. T. Robinson). 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. Joseph, the well was traditionally visited for general healing and protection, with pilgrims often leaving small offerings or prayers at the site. The drystone enclosure suggests a long-standing devotional practice, possibly incorporating both Christian and pre-Christian elements.