Ritual site - holy well

The National Monuments Service's description

The site generally referred to as the 'Grianán of Aileach' (National Monument number 140) consists of a restored cashel centrally placed within a series of three enclosing earthen banks (DG047-012005-), the site of a 'tumulus'o r cairn (DG047-12002-), the site of an approaching 'ancient road' (dg047-012004-) and a holy well (DG047-012003-).
The well was described by Ó Muirgheasa in 1936 as 'passing now into Inishowen, we find Tobar Phadraig, or St. Patrick's Well, in the townland of Carrowreagh, on the south western side of Greenan Hill and close by the historic Grianan of Aileach. It is a shallow, irregularly shaped pool, and presents a rather unsightly appearance from the mossy growths around the edges. There is a tradition that this well was blessed by St. Patrick, also that it was closed and forgotten until the last century, when it was discovered and reopened with religious ceremony by some priest or priests from Derry City. A story is also told that within present memory a local resident contaminated the water, and soon after sustained a severe retribution from Providence. No fixed date appears to be observed for stations, but visitations are made every Sunday by people from Derry City during the summer, who say prayers beside the well and drink of the water. The few sprigs around the well are festooned with bits of cloth left by pilgrims. Strange to say, Most Rev. Dr. O'Doherty in his notable article on Aileach, makes no reference to this well.' (Ó Muirgheasa 1936, 156). (Ó Muirgheasa No. 88)

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

References

Colby, Col. 1837 Ordnance Survey of Ireland County of Londonderry. Vol. 1. Dublin

Bernard, W. 1870-79 Exploration and restoration of the ruin of the Grianan of Aileach. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy Ser. 2, 1, 415-23.

Ó Muirgheasa, E. 1936 The holy wells of: Donegal. Béaloideas 7, No. 2, 143-62. Corrigenda 7, No. 2, 247, 1937.