Ritual site - holy well

The National Monuments Service's description

On the E side of a road, and on a S-facing slope, at the point where a stream emerges from underground. The well is partially enclosed by a stone wall, part of which is of recent construction. A crucifixion plaque (SL046-013002-) dated to the 1660s is set into the wall at the N side of the well and several rounded 'cursing stones' (SL046-013004-) are cemented on top of the wall above the plaque. The well, which is approached from the road by roughly made stone steps at S, is roughly circular (2.1m N-S; 2.3m E-W; D c. 1m) and mostly lined with drystone walling, though incorporating bedrock in places. A bullaun stone (SL046-013003-) projects from the enclosing wall at NNE into the well space, just above the water level. The drystone wall is topped with a mortared stone wall. The stream exits from the well through a low lintelled opening at W and is channelled out into an adjoining subsidiary well. The subsidiary well which is open to S, is roughly square (0.8m N-S; 0.9m E-W) with stone walls and a single roofing lintel. Upon exiting the subsidiary well the stream flows SE for 3m in an open stone-lined drain and then into the adjoining field to E. The well is traditionally associated with St Attracta and the pattern day is held on 11th August. According to Wood-Martin (1892, 368) 'the altar and walls were some years ago restored by the nuns of Ballaghadereen'.

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