Derryharriv Holy Well

Townland: Derryharriv, Inagh

Inagh comes from the Irish “eidhneach” meaning ‘ivied’ or ‘ivy clad’.

Description of Holy Well and Landscape Setting

This holy well is said to be located on the northern bank of a tributary stream of the River Cullenagh, about 100 metres north-west of a private dwelling. The well could not be located at the time of the research visit and may no longer be in existence. The Cullenagh, also known as the Inagh River, has its source south of the well and enters the sea at Liscannor Bay.

Saint and Feast Day Associated with Holy Well

This holy well is known as Derryharriv. ‘Derry’ comes from the Irish ‘Doire’ meaning oak and ‘Harriv’ may come from the Irish ‘Tarbh’ meaning bull. The well name may translate as ‘The Oak Wood of the Bull’.

Nothing is known of the practice at this holy well. The feast day associated with this well, along with any cures, have fallen out of memory and do not appear in historical records.

Natural Heritage around the Holy Well

There are significant commercial evergreen plantations around the holy well. However the site of the well itself is situated on improved agricultural grasslands.

Heritage Attractions Nearby

The village of Inagh is 6.5 kilometres east of well. Slieve Callan, the highest point in West Clare at 391 metres, is about three kilometres south-west of well.

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Clare County Library

Record of Monuments and Places Number

RMP CL 032 – 011