St. Patricks Bed

At the saddle-point of Mám Éan, the southernmost of the three mountain passes (see also GA024-003----) from the Joyce Country into Connemara proper. Known locally as Tobar Phádraig (GA038-003002-), it consists of a natural spring now situated at NW end of a small oval drystone enclosure (3.1m by 1.2m) with an entrance at SE. This overlies an earlier structure, roughly circular in plan, traces of which are visible beneath the present wall: it also had an entrance at SE. Circa 75m to W, the OS 6-inch map shows 'St. Patrick's Bed' (GA038-003001-), correctly Leaba Phadraig. This consists of a recess in the hillside beside a modern altar. There are also three other penitential stations (GA038-003003-, GA038-003004- and GA038-003005-), consisting of enclosures (5m by 3m, 3m by 2m, 1.5m by 1m) defined by low drystone walls. Their interiors are littered with small stones and pebbles. This well was noted by O'Flaherty in 1684 as a 'remedy for murrein in cattle' (Hardiman 1846, 120-1): it and the enclosures are still frequented on last Sunday in July. A number of modern stations and two oratories are also present. (O'Flanagan 1927a, Vol. 3, 43; Killanin 1954, 102; Cosgrave 1913, 180) 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: 26 May 2016

Linked to St. Patrick, the well or site is traditionally associated with the saint’s legendary journey through Connemara and is believed to have healing properties, particularly for ailments of the eyes and skin. Local tradition holds that St. Patrick rested or slept at this location during his travels in the region.