St Patricks Well

Some 175m WNW of Kilquain church (GA108-224----) and graveyard (GA108-224001-), in level grassland. Named ‘St Patrick’s well’ on the 1838 and 1945 editions of the OS 6-inch OS maps. The well occupies the NE sector of a low rectangular platform (13.5m E-W; 12.9m N-S; H 0.4m), which is defined by a scarp and surrounded by a shallow external fosse (Wth 1.4m). The well itself is delimited by a much-collapsed drystone-built circular wall (diam. 1.8m; H 0.15m; Wth 0.7m). On inspection, it was dry and the remains of a tree trunk lay across it. A hawthorn tree was growing to its E. Galway Archaeological Survey, UCG Date of upload: 9 May 2023

St Patrick’s Well at Stowlin is traditionally associated with St Patrick and is believed to have curative properties, particularly for ailments of the eyes and general health. The well’s long-standing veneration is reflected in its appearance on early Ordnance Survey maps and its location near a church and graveyard, suggesting a historical link to Christian pilgrimage and local devotional practices.