Ritual site - holy well

The National Monuments Service's description

In a small pocket of woodland surrounded by pasture. Named ‘Macduagh’s Holy Well’ on the 1838 and 1922 editions of the OS 6-inch maps, this natural spring well is known locally as ‘Colman’s Well’. It is rectangular in shape (1.56m N-S; 0.94m E-W; D 0.75m) and is lined with drystone walling. A single step (L 0.94m; Wth 0.33m) at its S end accesses the water. The well is surrounded by a D-shaped enclosure (dims. c. 2.7m ENE-WSW), with a straight E side (L c. 7m), which is defined by a wall (av. base Wth 1m; int. H 1m, ext. H 1.2m) that has partially collapsed at NNW. A possible entrance gap at SE was blocked up. Fahey (1893, 113) described the well as containing ‘an unfailing supply of purest water’, and noted that it was ‘overshadowed by a splendid ash’. He also recorded two further ‘similar enclosures’, which appear to have been penitential stations, that were visible within ‘a few yards on either side’ of the well. On inspection in September 1982, one of these (GA122-012001-) was noted to the E of the well. There was no visible surface trace of the second one (GA122-012002-). Likewise, no trace was noted of the 'Leaba Mac Duagh, or St. Colman's Bed', which Fahey recorded close to the entrance to the well. The latter consisted of 'a natural arbour, formed by a cluster of whitethorn and hazel.' The branches sheltered 'a slight excavation carpeted with moss and ivy', in which the 'Saint sometimes sought repose.'

Compiled by: Olive Alcock

Date of upload: 4 January 2023

Fahey, J.A. 1893 (Reprint 1986) The history and antiquities of the diocese of Kilmacduagh. Galway. Kenny Gallery.

References

Fahey, J.A. 1893 (Reprint 1986) The history and antiquities of the diocese of Kilmacduagh. Galway. Kenny Gallery.