St. Sorneys Well

Some 35m to the SW of the church (GA103-118001-) at Drumacoo. Dedicated to St Sorney, this holy well consists of a roughly circular stone-lined sunken spring well (diam. 1.7m), surrounded by a circular stone wall (diam. c. 4m). Access is via seven steps at N. Modern votive offerings are visible and there is a local tradition of a pattern, performed on two consecutive Mondays and the intervening Thursday, at which cures for injuries, bleeding and minor disabilities are sought. Higgins (1987, vol. II, 271, No. 3) recorded a cross-inscribed water-rolled limestone pebble here. (Killanin and Duignan 1967, 317-18; Harbison 1979, 90) The following images have been uploaded: GA103-118005-_01.jpg GA103-118005-_02.jpg GA103-118005-_03.jpg Compiled by: Galway Archaeological Survey Edited by: Olive Alcock Date of revised upload: 14 June 2023 This monument was taken into Guardianship under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 - National Monument 254.

Dedicated to St. Sorney, the well is associated with local traditions of healing and pilgrimage, with the name "Sorney" possibly derived from the Irish "Saoirche" meaning "healer." The site's proximity to the church suggests a long-standing religious and spiritual connection in the community.