St. Patricks Well

On the SE-facing slope of a low hill in rough pasture. In 1837 O’Donovan recorded that there were ‘three venerable ash trees, two living and one dead’ at this well. Its waters were used as a drink only and an ‘Ana or Stabha’ (a drinking-cup chained to the well) was always left at it for the use of pilgrims (OSL, 24). The well is within a D-shaped structure (2.3m ENE-WSW; 1.6m NNW-SSE) defined by a low drystone wall (H 0.7m; Wall T 0.6m). The upper portion of the wall is relatively modern but the lower courses appear to be considerably older. A stream flows in a SE direction from it. (Kearney 1969, 19) Compiled by: Patrick F. O'Donovan Date of upload: 7 June 2013

St. Patrick’s Well is associated with the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, and traditionally believed to have curative properties, particularly for ailments of the eyes and general health. The presence of ash trees, often linked to sacred sites in Irish tradition, suggests a long-standing spiritual or ritual use of the well, possibly pre-dating Christian association.