3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is enclosed in a dry stone square structure beneath a cliff. During the twentieth century, hazel bushes grew around the well site and were recipients of votive offerings until recently. In a 2010 renovation, ten metres on either side of the well were cleared and additions were made to the site. The well and turas grounds are now separated from the road by a low stone wall. Another stone structure to the left of the well enshrines two tablets, one explaining who St Colmcille is and the other noting the rounds to be performed in the wellside turas with St. Colmcille's prayer. A small statue of the saint (under 12 inches in height) is behind glass in the same structure. The well structure now has a large cairn of stones behind and on top of it as it appeared in photos from 1900 (see Nic Chearáin, 2012:25).
4 Cure
The well is known as a cure-all. Cures particularly mentioned in the locality include toothache and aching limbs. Brídiín Nic Chearáin notes that if a petitioner slept beside the well, a cure was assured (2012:28).
5 Pattern day
The Pattern Day is June 9th (St Colmcille's Day), but the turas continues from June 9 through the 17th (a novena). Most people asked reported visiting during one of the nine days if they visited at all, but some came to the well on each of the nine days in 2017.
6 Offerings
Votives are now deposited on top of the well structure. These include candles, rosary beads, small religious statutes, empty medication bottles, sports trophies, limpet shells, hair ornaments, children's toys, and a water bottle brought from Lourdes.
7 Prayer rounds and stations
The turas was punctuated by three cross-inscribed stones. At the first one says 5 Our Father's, 5 Hail Mary's and 5 Gloria's. This is repeated at the second station stone. At the 3rd station, the numbers of prayers are seven of each. When stations are completed, one says the Rosary at the well walking around the well cairn three times and leaving a stone on the cairn with each circumambulation. After the completion of prayers, one may access the well water to bless oneself
8 Stories
St Colmcille was to have mislaid some books on one of his journeys. He prayed to find them and then spotted a deer with his books on its back. The deer managed to slide the books down into an orderly pile beside the well
9 Publications
The digitized Schools Folklore Scheme has accounts of the well.
Nic Chearáin, Brídiín. 2012. The Holy Wells of Fanad. Gaeltacht Bheo Fhánada: Fanad, Co. Donegal.
Lacey, Brian, Eamon Cody and Claire Cotter 2013. Archaeological Survey of County Donegal : A Description of the Field Antiquities from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th Century A.D. Donegal Heritage Office.
In his Life of Colmcille, Manus O'Donnell (d. 1564) wrote about the book-returning deer (see Lacey, Brian. 1998. Manus O’Donnell’s life of Colum Cille. Dublin: The Four Courts Press.).
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
On a slope of Carnaween in the Bluestack Mountains, the well is near an ecclesiastical enclosure and a graveyard which was used as a cillín (for buying unbaptised infants) into the 1930s. The beautiful situation of the well makes it easy to understand why it was chosen by those wishing to seek a religious life apart from the world (a dísert, named for the desert abodes sought by early Christian hermits). The site also has an altar called a Mass Rock.
4 Cure
The well water is thought to have had many cures, but more notably, the soil of the vicinity was thought to rid rodents and other pests from one's home and fields if sprinkled there.
5 Pattern day
St Colmcille's day, the ninth of June, was the main visitation day on which pilgrims also climbed Carnaween (also associated with the saint). By the later twentieth century, visitation shifted to the first Sunday in June.
10 More
This site is actively being researched by Dr. Fiona Beglane of the Sligo Institute of Technology.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is located at the top of Mamore Gap. An engraved stone nearby indicates that the well is that of St. Eigne
4 Cure
Additional shrines next to the well are dedicated to the, Virgin Mother and St. Padre Pio, whose intercessions are also considered to increase the healing qualities of well water.
5 Pattern day
The Feast day is the 15th of August, which is known as the Feast of Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
6 Offerings
Flowers, statues and other prayer items are places outside of the well.
The well is located on the Western edge of the village of Killybegs. Killybegs in Irish means means 'small cells', referring to the small cells that monks once built who lived in the area.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well was dedicated to St. Catherine by three monks who were caught in a bad storm and washed ashore. The monks prayed and prayed for their safety and promised the Gods they would build a shrine for the well if they landed safe. They landed at Killybegs which concluded to the fact of St. Catherine being the Patron Saint of Killybegs. The well is a large spring with a stone surrounding it.
4 Cure
The well is known to cure people through its special air for anyone who visits, sits in solitude, and prays.
5 Pattern day
The well's feast day is the 25th of November, where people from all of Donegal would go to pray for themselves, other sick people, etc.
7 Prayer rounds and stations
November 25th every year is dedicated to St. Catherine's Day, and pilgrims from even great distances come to 'make the station'.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is located 80 yards from Falmore school. St. Ultan is the patron saint of Culdaff
4 Cure
People who go to the well have multiple complaints for their children who do not learn to walk at the usual age. In order to be cured, the child is taken and carried around the well, while at the same time another person can say the prayers. The sick person is to say the prayers but if he or she is not able to, any other person is allowed.
5 Pattern day
You are allowed to visit the well at any time, but it is important to visit on the first Monday of the quarter. Three consecutive visits of the quarters are required.
"St." Sarah's well is located outside of the village Doochary, on the backroad to Letterkenny.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The statue at the well is Kraljica Mira (Our Lady, Queen of Peace)
4 Cure
The cure of the well is known to cure certain skin conditions of people, and people seem to make the pilgrimage in order to help themselves or their family members/friends. If they are coming to the well to seek a cure for someone other than themselves, they must bring a piece of clothing, or any other item, of the person they are trying to cure.
The well is located in Donaghmore in County Donegal. It is centered on the road to Cronalaghy from Meenahinnis in town land of Lismullyduff.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
It is sometimes called Brigid’s Well because of a cure that occurred to a woman named Brigid at this well.
4 Cure
It is said the water from this well will not boil. People who come to this well will not have to worry about the water coming too hot, and using the water to help themselves for their wounds and/or burns.
Carryblagh, Co. Donegal, which is near Portsalon, Fanad Peninsula
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The Well is surrounded within a dry stone square structure beneath a cliff. A stone structure is also to the left of the well that enshrines two tablets, one explaining who St. Colmcille is, and the other noting the rounds to be performed in the wellside turas with St. Colmcille's prayer.
4 Cure
This well is known to cure all. Some examples of issues that the well was known the cure were toothaches and aching limbs. If you slept beside the well, you would be cured of your need.
5 Pattern day
The pattern Day is June 9th, St Colmcille's Day, but the turas also continues from June 9 through the 17th. Some people are said to have visited at least once during the 9 days, but some also said to have visited every single day of the 9 days.
6 Offerings
People now leave certain items such as candles, rosary beads, small religious statues, empty medication bottles, sports trophies, limpet shells, hair ornaments, and even children's toys in order to be cured by the well and leave their respect.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Bush growing over the well
4 Cure
If you visit the well once and rub water on your wart, the wart with disappear. Three Our Fathers and Three Hail Marys have to be said each night and each morning after visiting the well n order for the wart to be cured.
Named after St Colmcille's mother. Ethne who has associations with the area. This holy well had stations performed on her son St. Colmcille's feast day--9 June for nine nights.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well was located in front of a shallow cavern along the shore and was supplied by a spring-now moved. The well now is said to live in a circular hole in a stone only revealed at low tide.
4 Cure
The well is said to have miscellaneous curative properties. There are records that describe visitors dropping beads into the well as part of a ritual that is associated with the well, but most offerings are thought to be washed out to sea during high tide.
5 Pattern day
August 15th
6 Offerings
Beads and other personal items are likely deposited in the well, but because of the tides, these items do not remain.
8 Stories
"In 1801 McParlan observes the
culmination of pilgrimage festivities
into an unusual ritual with, “people
dropping beads in the water…all
vehemently whispering prayers....
but the ceremony finishes by a good
ablution in the sea, male and female,
all frisking and playing in the water
stark naked and washing off each
other’s sins.”
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well was surrounded by a low, redbrick wall with a cross attached. The wall was build by Major Marshall in 1864 in order to protect the well from a nearby railway under construction. The wall was eventually destroyed by vandals, but the remnants can still be seen. A residence and restaurant are now beside the well.
4 Cure
The well is believed to have broad curative properties. There were reportedly numerous miracles that were performed here, though no records of the specific acts survive.
5 Pattern day
March 12. There was a gathering held on St. Mura's "festival," but no historic information about the festival has been found thus far.
9 Publications
Ó Muirgheasa, Énrí. 1936. "The holy wells of Donegal." Béaloideas 1051.Uimh 2:143-162.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is located at the foot of the Bluestack Mountains close to the banks of the Eanybeg river, near a small graveyard that was used for unbaptised babies until the 1930's. The well is surrounded by a low fence and is covered by a trap door covering the shaft, lined with coarse stones, that leads to the well. This trapdoor must be opened to access the water.
4 Cure
The well is believed to cure toothaches.
5 Pattern day
June 9
6 Offerings
Pebbles are often placed on a cairn located next to the well
7 Prayer rounds and stations
Pilgrims would traditionally recite the Rosary as they walk barefoot around the well.
Well of the Holy Women, dedicated to three sisters that became nuns and blessed the well.
2 Townland, County, GPS
County -- Donegal
Townland -- Rannakilla
5 Pattern day
June 23 - 29
6 Offerings
Items such as rags, coins, beads, etc. may be left at the well.
7 Prayer rounds and stations
There is a nearby altar that an adherent must make a certain number of rounds around before extracting water from the well. Before water can be taken for personal use, three drops must be poured out in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost. Only then may the individual take a bottle of the water that can then be used for its miscellaneous curative properties. The bottle must also be corked with natural materials such as moss or grass found near the well.
8 Stories
Fishermen are said to have prayed at the well for protection before going out to sea.
9 Publications
Szövérffy, Joseph. 1955. "The Well of the Holy Women: Some St. Columba Traditions in the West of Ireland." The Journal of American Folklore 68 (268): 111-122.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is surrounded by a white gate at the foot ofgrass covered hills. The well itself is a large pool, surrounded by a crescent white wall with a glass-enshrined statue of St. Catherine.
4 Cure
The well is believed to have a number of curative properties.
5 Pattern day
The Feast of St. Catherine is held on November 25th, when locals come to the well and pray over the sick.
7 Prayer rounds and stations
Begin by kneeling and saying the following:
(I) One our Father, one Hail Mary and one Gloria for those who opened the well.
(ii) One our Father, one Hail Mary and one Gloria in honor of St. Catherine.
(iii) Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Gloria for the priests who blessed the well.
(iv) Begin the Rosary: Say the Creed, one Our Father, three Hail Mary and Gloria.
Take three sups of water from the well.
Go around the well three times, saying a decade of the Rosary each time.
Kneel and finish the Rosary.
End by praying for your own intentions.
8 Stories
The well is said to have been created by a group of monks who were caught in a storm. The monks prayed to St. Catherine, promising that if they reached shore, they would build a well in her honor.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
This well is located a short walk from Doochary village. It has public access by a path and has stone pillars at the entrance with inscription. The area is walked and has a grotto with statue. The well itself is contained recent stone circle. The water is purported to cure skin ailments. There are local stories of some residents having spiritual messages. One elderly woman saw an explosion that killed her son,who was on the battlefield during one of the World Wars.
4 Cure
The well has a cure for skin ailment. Bathing affected area and saying accompanying prayer
6 Offerings
There are prayer cards,rosary beads and tokens left below the statue
Saint Dedication: Contested dedication to St. Colmcille or another saint (Cronin et al., 2012). However, the well is attributed to St. Colmcille in a 16th century source by Manus O'Donnell.
2 Townland, County, GPS
Doocashel Glebe., Donegal
However, the location was previously believed to be in the townland of Cashelmore, just west of Doocashel Glebe (Cronin et al., 2012).
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Surroundings : Located in a woody area, and is 2.5 km north of Creeshlough. The well is accessible through a narrow gravel path which is labelled with a signpost, just off the main forest path (Cronin et al., 2012).
Description: The well has an irregular shaped opening, around a naturally-formed spring, and has flat stones, a drystone altar to the west and a cross made of concrete that surrounds the well (Cronin et al., 2012).
4 Cure
Cure: Loneliness
When people would emigrate, they would go to this well in order to get a bottle of water to ward off loneliness in their new living area (Cronin et al., 2012).
6 Offerings
Offerings: Coins, flowers, prayers, and rosary beads
The well is venerated still, as proven by the offerings that were recently left at the well (Cronin et al., 2012).
8 Stories
Local Story: The well never runs dry (Cronin et al., 2012).
9 Publications
"Survey of the Heritage of Holy Wells in County Donegal" - John Cronin & Associates.
Ards Forest Park Donegal - https://www.donegalcottageholidays.com/blog/ards-forest-park/
Ards Forest Park - https://www.donegaldiaspora.ie/programme/ards-forest-park
Ards Forest Park - https://placeandsee.com/wiki/ards-forest-park
Ards Forest Park - http://www.askaboutireland.ie/learning-zone/primary-students/looking-at-places/donegal/home-life-in-donegal/play-areas/ards-forest-park/
Ards Forest Park - https://www.thefullshilling.co.uk/blog/ards-forest-parkhttps://www.thefullshilling.co.uk/blog/ards-forest-park
Wonderful Day in Ards Forest Park - http://homepage.eircom.net/~ballyrainens/Archive/2005-2006/ards%20forest.html
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The eye well is located in a natural well besides a stream of which the well feeds. It is located is good pastureland to the west of the Eskaheen Chapel and directly north of the village Muff. The well consists of a small natural spring with drystone surrounds to the south and southwest. The well aperture is sub-square in shape and measures approximately 0.4m in length and width. The water of the spring runs south-westward to a larger spring. (Cronin, et al. 2012)
4 Cure
Known as the "Eye Well" (the school collection). The well is said to have a cure for eye diseases and is frequently visited to this day. (Cronin, et al. 2012)
6 Offerings
Among the votive offerings are pieces of rags, children's clothes, medals, coins, statues, cups, rosary beads, ribbons, children's toys, keys rings and a few eyeglasses. (Cronin, et al. 2012)
8 Stories
Supposedly blessed by Saint Patrick who also founded the nearby St. Patricks Chapel. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1113, Page 203). St. Patrick’s in Iskaheen (1782) is one of the oldest churches in the Derry diocese still in use. (Iskaheen Parish, 2017: https://www.iskaheenparish.com/history/)
9 Publications
Donegal Holy Wells 2002 Survey. The School's Collection.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is located on high, wooded land close to a site associated with Drumboe Abbey, approximately 1 kilometer northwest of Stranorlar. The well consists of a small niche between large boulders forming a stream that flows southward. It is shaded by large hardwood trees, one of which is the main feature on which votive offerings are accumulated. (Cronin, et al. 2012)
6 Offerings
Votive offerings are primarily deposited on a large hardwood tree which shades the well-site. The are numerous prayers, statues, metal and wooden crosses, Euro and Irish Punt coins, children's clothing and toys, inhalers, rosary beads, holy medals and strange objects such as golf tees, bookies' pens, mechanical tools, a broken cassette tape and a nativity scene housed in a cut-out plastic drinks bottle. (Cronin, et al. 2012)
7 Prayer rounds and stations
The well is still venerated and is led to by a gravel path signposted from the roadside. (Cronin, et al. 2012)
8 Stories
The site would have had vast views over the Finn Valley to the south, southeast, and southwest and is obviously associated with the very nearby Drumboe Abbey, which is thought to be the beginning of the settlement of Stranorlar. (Cronin, et al. 2012)
9 Publications
School Folklore Collection. Cronin, Donegal Holly Wells Survey, 2012
10 More
There is a holy well in Drumboe, County Donegal, called the Abbey well. It is said that there was an Abbey there and that monks dwelled in the Abbey. This may or may not be the same well. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1096, Page 76)
St. Colmcille’s Well
also known as St. Colmcille or St. Columba.
2 Townland, County, GPS
Tullyarvan, County Donegal
This townland is slightly north of Buncrana. The well’s location is also known as Slavary to the local people (Cronin et al., 2012).
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Surroundings: The well is heavily grown over with plants, brushes, and other flora (Cronin et al., 2012).
Description: The well is square. The eastern side has a bullaun stone, which is a depression on a stone that is filled with water. Both the north and south sides have low rubblestone walls. The western side has a vertical sloping natural rock outcrop. The water is crystal clear (Cronin et al., 2012).
6 Offerings
Offerings: No votive offerings were found on the site (Cronin et al., 2012).
8 Stories
Local Story: Local Folklore speaks on how the two depressions within the bullaun stone are the prints of St. Cholmcille’s knees. The story speaks on how he stopped at the well while travelling to Stroove, Inishowen Head, when departing for Iona (Cronin et al., 2012).
9 Publications
"Survey of the Heritage of Holy Wells in County Donegal" - John Cronin & Associates.
10 More
Bibliography
Cronin, John and Associates. 2012. Survey of the Heritage of Holy Wells in County Donegal. Donegal County Council.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well is located behind the Protestant church in Culdaff, Inishowen. (The School Folklore Collection)
4 Cure
Some have been restored to health by drinking this water. The exact curing properties of the well are not stated. (The School Folklore Collection)
7 Prayer rounds and stations
In the 1930s, many people still made the 'turas' and lifted water from the well. (The School Folklore Collection)
8 Stories
When Saint Bodan came to this well he said Mass on three steps and blessed them. He tied his boat to a rock nearby. Then he sailed under the bridge to the other side and here he left his boat. These three steps, at the well, at the place where he tied his boat when he was saying mass are yet to be seen, and the boat is there yet in the form of a hollow stone. (The School Folklore Collection)
Saint Dedication: This well does not commemorate a saint but actually a fairy or another deity lost to the times (Cronin et al., 2012).
2 Townland, County, GPS
Muckros (Muckross), Donegal
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Surroundings: The well overlooks north towards Tralor Beach and is 2.5 km south/ southeast of Kilcar. The well is closely located to both a burial ground and a mass rock (Cronin et al., 2012).
Description: The well is a natural spring and is located near the edge of a north-facing slope, with has a flat flagstone on the northern side, which forms a rectangular shape that measures 0.8 m x 0.5m in size (Cronin et al., 2012).
8 Stories
Local Story: The well is described by Ó Muirgheasa (1936) as:
“Tobar Chnapostuin at Muckress, near Kilcar, commemorates not a saint but a fairy, or more probably a local deity of ancient times, still remembered in local legends. For one such see the story of Bolcan Mor in Oidhche Airneail I dTir Chonaill. It was probably a “sacred well” in pagan times, and having escaped the attention of the missionaries, it has preserved its name and identity until the present day, a circumstance perhaps, unparalleled in this country” (Cronin et al., 2012).
9 Publications
Cronin, John and Associates. 2012. Survey of the Heritage of Holy Wells in County Donegal. Donegal County Council.
“Newly-found Holy Wells Across Donegal to Feature in Rite Programme” - https://www.donegaldaily.com/2013/03/25/newly-found-holy-wells-across-donegal-to-feature-in-rte-programme/.
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The water of the well emerges from a hole in a rock and flows down the side of the rock. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1085, Page 126)
4 Cure
Many people go to this well to be cured, however, the specificities of the well's curing properties are not noted. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1085, Page 126)
7 Prayer rounds and stations
There is a large mound of stones around the well. People still make turas to the well, and when they do, they must leave a stone at both sides of the well each time they go around it. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1085, Page 126)
8 Stories
It is said that was St. Finian was in the region he hit the rock with the stick, and water flowed there forth. This is why the well is named after him. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1085, Page 126)
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Surroundings: Located within the ecclesiastical site of Gartan and is 2 km northwest of Church Hill. It is located near a graveyard, which has a structure known as the ‘Abbey’. There is badly preserved cross remains which are 20 m south of the graveyard. At the south base of the cross, there is a pile of loose stones that are used in the turas and pilgrimage at the holy well site. The holy well is northwest of the cross. Southwest of the graveyard is St. Columbkilles Chapel. There are views that overlook Gartan lough, Lough Nacally, and Lough Akibban on the east, southeast, and south. The well is surrounded by a modern rubblestone wall and has a modern cast-iron gate. The area is paved with large, flat flagstones and this enclosed area has the well and a low flagstone altar. There are modern stone markings that mark the well itself and the stops of the turas.
Well: The well has an opening which is a small square aperture on the northern side of the enclosing wall. The water is clear.
4 Cure
Cure: Loneliness
Obtained: Visiting St. Colmcille’s natal stone (Cronin et al., 2012).
5 Pattern day
Pattern Day: No pattern due is known to take place, but a celebration may take place on St. Colmcille’s birth, December 7th. His feast day is June 9.
6 Offerings
Offerings: There is a donation box for coins (Cronin et al., 2012).
7 Prayer rounds and stations
Prayer Rounds: There are modern stone marking the different stops along the turas, which are still followed. Loose stones at the southern base of the cross are connected and used with the turas performed at this holy well site (Cronin et al., 2012).
8 Stories
Local Story: Gartan, which is the ecclesiastical site in which the holy well is located, is reputed to be the birthplace of St. Colmcille. This saint is said to be the greatest of all of the Donegal saints (Cronin et al., 2012).
The well is described by Ó Muirgheasa (1936) as:
“Gartan Holy Well. See Reeves’ Adamnan, page Ixviii. It is in Gartan, the birthplace of Colmcille, and near the graveyard. The turus is still made. A visit to Colmcille’s natal stone also cures loneliness” (Cronin et al., 2012).
9 Publications
"Survey of the Heritage of Holy Wells in County Donegal" - John Cronin & Associates.
“The Birthplace of St. Colmcille” - https://pilgrimagemedievalireland.com/2016/06/09/t-he-birthplace-of-st-colmcille-gartan-co-donegal/
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
Meedinmore Lough is a large lough situated in a mountainous part of the district of the same name near Malin. It is said to be over one thousand feet in circumference and the strange feature about it is that although it lies about six miles from Killourt Bay the water is salty just like the water of the ocean. No rivers or streams flow into it, and in the driest season the water never falls to a low level. Boats have often been lost in it and it is said that no boar ever was steered successfully wither round or across the lake. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1114, Page 250)
4 Cure
The water is said to be blessed, but no specifics about its curative properties are listed. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1114, Page 250)
6 Offerings
After the rounds are made, there is an obligation to say a prayer on the hermit's grave, and it is customary to leave articles such as hairpins, pins, or ribbons on the grave. Many favors are said to have been obtained through this pious practice. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1114, Page 250)
7 Prayer rounds and stations
It is customary that anyone seeking favors whether spiritual or temporal makes a 'turas' to this lake. The obligation is to be fasting and to say as many 'Glory be to the Fathers' as one can while slowly walking barefooted three times round the lake. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1114, Page 250)
8 Stories
About the time of the Golden Age in Ireland a holy hermit named Maelma was supposed to abide in a ruse stone cabin near the lake and he is buried near it. (the mound supposed to be his grave is near the southern edge of the lake.) (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1114, Page 250)
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The holy well sits in a field belonging to the late Colonel Sweeney of Moyagh. The water flows from a huge rock. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1085, Page 251)
5 Pattern day
There are 6 special Sundays set apart for doing the Turas at this well. They are the last Sunday of April; the First and Second Sundays in May; the last Sunday in July and the First and Second Sundays of August. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1085, Page 251)
6 Offerings
A medal, Agnus Dei, cross, or some other token must be left at the well and the feet of the pilgrim must be washed in the running water. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1085, Page 251)
7 Prayer rounds and stations
The Turas is similar in many respects to the Turas at the Doon well. There are five little heaps of stones in the vicinity of the well and the person doing the turas must say five "Our Fathers", five "Hail Marys" and five "Glories" at each heap. The pilgrim must also walk round each little heap and lift five stones and throw them on top of the others. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1085, Page 251)
8 Stories
The well is supposed to be blessed by a Father Friel (who blessed the Doon well) who having been pursued by a party of soldiers fled to this spot for safety. It is supposed to be unlucky to interfere with this well. Mrs. Pat Ferry of Claragh testifies to the fact that during the life time of the late Colonel Sweeney and when she was employed as a maid in the house prior to her marriage, an attempt was made to drain the water from this well into an adjoining field, for the use of cattle. The cattle all died and the water supply was accordingly stopped. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1085, Page 251)
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
About eight miles from the Four Masters’ School in Byrne’s mountain on the old foot-road across Croney to Lough Derg is a Holy Well called Sliabh Dubh. ( ½ ml. from the Donegal-Tyrone border.) (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1035, Page 199)
4 Cure
There is a cure for toothache sore-heads and sore legs at this Holy Well. When anyone takes away a bottle of the water it must be corked with rushes from the well-side. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1035, Page 199)
6 Offerings
An old rag or some such thing is supposed to be left at the Well after a visit. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1035, Page 199)
8 Stories
Local tradition says that as Saint Patrick was going to “The Island” he got thirsty and he came upon a spring well. He drank out of it and then he blessed it. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1035, Page 199)
Tobar na Faoileoige. St. Conall is said to be the first saint to bless the well. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1053, Page 273)
2 Townland, County, GPS
Kilkenny, Donegal
3 Physical description of well and its surroundings
The well sits in a field under the property of Dan Gallagher, Mulnamina. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1053, Page 273)
4 Cure
There are reports of sickness being healed by the well's water as well as deafness, sores, and toothaches. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1053, Page 273)
7 Prayer rounds and stations
The prayers said at this well are 5 Paters and 5 Aves for the person who hopes to be cured, one Pater and one Ave for the person who put the shelter over the well, and one Pater and one Ave for Father Gallagher who blessed the well. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1053, Page 273)
8 Stories
It is said that every priest who came to the parish blessed it and left his office at it. People also say that there was a girl sick in Aran More island long ago and that a seagull came to Tobar na Faoileoige, took the white stone from the well, and dropped it in the bed of the sick girl. From that moment she began to recover and that is why it is called Tobar na Faoileoige. An old tradition says that St. Conall slept a night at this well on his way from Inniskeel to Doire leac Conaill and that it was he who first blessed. Bernard Gallagher got cured of a running sore on the face by visiting the well and making the station.
Several got cured of toothache at it. Bernard Campbell of Lettermacaward got cured of deafness at it. (The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1053, Page 273)