St. Patricks Monument

Close to the td. boundary in level reclaimed pastureland. Named in OS Letters (O'Flanagan 1927, Vol. 1, 15, 90-91) as 'Leacht Phadruig' and described as 'consisting of two heaps of stones of which the southern one has a small rude fixture, representing an altar ... called Altoir Pharraig [sic]'. Kelly (1901, 384) noted that 'the impression of his knees [are pointed out] in the hollowed stone'. These are presumably synonymous with the 'two spots bare of grass' noted by Killanin and Duignan (1967, 448). The site is now enclosed by a modern hexagonal concrete wall which was built in 1933. It is surmounted by a wrought iron cross at E. There is a stile at W but the densely overgrown interior masks all, and none of the features noted above were located. Probably associated with the early ecclesiastical remains at Kilbenan (see GA029-017004-), 800m to NW. A ringfort (GA029-015----) lies 60m to S. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Galway Vol. II - North Galway'. Compiled by Olive Alcock, Kathy de hÓra and Paul Gosling (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1999). Date of upload: 05 August 2010

St. Patrick’s Monument in Ballygaddy is traditionally associated with the legendary Christianization of Ireland and local folklore surrounding the saint’s travels and miracles. The site, recorded as "Leacht Phadruig," may mark a memorial or station linked to early Christian pilgrimage or ritual practices.