Ritual site - holy well

The National Monuments Service's description

Tobar Muiris (Ó Muirgheasa No. 97). The exact location of this well could not be found. Recorded in 1936 as 'Tobar Muiris, or St. Maurice's Well, in the townland of Ardagh, at western end of Ballyliffin Strand. It is probably one of the most inaccessible wells in the whole country, and the making of the stations is difficult for strangers. It is located in the bed of a rivulet, and the water passes out in the form of a small cascade. There is no Saint Maurice shown in any of the Irish Martyrologies, and the late Monsignor Philip O'Doherty was unable to throw any light on the matter. The late Dr. Maguire, of the Diocese of Raphoe, was inclined to think that as the ancient herenaghs of Clonmany were Ó Muirgheasa, properly O'Morris, but here anglicised Morrison, the well may have some connection with this family. In the immediate neighbourhood are '"'beds" of Diarmuid and Columcille. A station used to be made at the well on the 15th August, but I have seen people also making it on other days during the summer' (Ó Muirgheasa 1936, 158).

The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated.

Compiled by Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload/revision: 02 November 2011