Ritual site - holy well

The National Monuments Service's description

St. Donagh's Well stood on the S bank of river which has been deepened and a linear park developed either side of it. No surface remains visible. Ó Danachair (1958, 77) recorded the following details about this holy well; 'A small pool, about fifteen feet [4.5m] in diameter, overhung by a large ash tree. The water is remarkably good and was formerly held in great estimation for the curing of all disorders for which purpose it was much frequented. OSNB [Ordnance Survey Name Books]. Mrs. King says that a few people come to it on St. John's Eve and drink some water and on retiring hang up their votive rag"- do. There are no devotions now'. Site of St. Donagh's Well was described in 1985 as; 'St. Donagh's well, near the river in the grounds of Donaghmede House, which was at one time a popular place of devotion. The well has been covered in'(Appleyard 1985, 152).

Compiled by: Geraldine Stout

Revised by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of revised upload: 17 April 2023

References

Ó Danachair, C. 1958 The holy wells of county Dublin. Reportorium Novum 2, 68-87; 2, No. 2 The holy wells of County Dublin: A supplementary list, 233-5.

Appleyard, D.S. 1985 Green fields gone forever: the story of the Coolock and Artane Area. Dublin. Coolock Select Vestry.