Ritual site - holy well

The National Monuments Service's description

In pasture, at the base of a slight S-facing slope and on the N bank of a stream. The well (diam. 0.8m; max. D 0.95m at the N side) is cut into the stream bank and the sides and base, which is flat, are of rock and earth. The well water runs in a muddy irregular flow from the S side of the well to the stream. A tree, which stands immediately to W, is adorned with old and new rags which are tied to the branches. Recent use of the well is evidenced by the presence of euro coins of various denominations embedded in the trunk of the tree. Access is via a rough path, paved with stones from the stream bed, that leads to a gate 5m W of the well. An area (c. 0.8m x 0.8m) around the well has been fenced off and has not been disturbed by livestock. In 1942-4 it was recorded that the pilgrimage day was 15th August and that the well was said to hold cures for any diseases, there being no particular prayers (ITA). A rath (SL034-044----) lies c. 60m to NW and Templemore church and graveyard (SL034-048001- and SL034-048002-) are c. 300m to E.

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Sligo' compiled by Ursula Egan, Elizabeth Byrne, Mary Sleeman with Sheila Ronan and Connie Murphy (Dublin Stationery Office, 2005).

Date of upload: 18 January 2008