St. Patricks Well in Rock Big

Situated in modern Roadstone quarry on a rocky E-facing slope overlooking the sea, 210m SE of Lady's Well (WI045-006-----) and 280m SSE of the site of Chapel Hogan (WI045-005----) and graveyard (WI045-005001-). Like the Lady's Well (WI045-006----), this too appears to have dried up since the quarry opened. No visible remains. Price (1967, 484) recorded that 'nothing is known about St. Patrick's Well'. Folklore collected from Arklow National School recorded the following details; 'St Patrick's Well is also situated in a field on the left hand side of the Rock Road (going in direction from Arklow) An ancient mass path runs across the rock, about 150 yards from sea shore. This Mass pass was used by the people who lived near or on Clugga Strand, apparently to reach Chapel Logan, and later to Arklow Church, Midway along this path will be found St Patrick's Well. It is not known by people of Arklow Rock but is now overgrown by weeds. No visits are made, or were made within living memory.' (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0924, Page 43; www.duchas.ie) The following folklore was collected from Arklow Convent about this well; 'In the year 432 St. Patrick came to Ireland as a bishop. At that time it took three or four months to travel from one country to another as it was only sailing boats which were in use. It was in one of these boats that St. Patrick and his twelve followers sailed when they were coming to Ireland. During their long voyage their supply of water ran out. St. Patrick was in much distress on hearing this but to their great relief they sighted land. They sailed towards it and it was the Arklow Rock. St Patrick was the first to come ashore and where his foot touched a well sprang up. This well is to be seen to the present day. The local people have great faith in this well they still go and pray there; it is said the water cures certain diseases. Even though the sea water constantly mixes with it, it is always fresh and has no taste of salt.' (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0923, Pages 185-6; www.duchas.ie) The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). Revised by: Caimin O'Brien Date of revised upload: 25 May 2020