Moyagh Holy Well

Moyagh Holy Well

Moyagh Holy Well

Moyagh, Donegal

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

National Folklore Collection.