Saint Connellan's Well, Doonogan Holy Well

James Feeney

James Feeney

Townland : Rath, Doonogan, Kilmurry-Ibrickane

Description of Holy Well and Landscape Setting

This well is located west of the Mountscott-Rath Road which lies east of Mullagh Village. The well has some foliage covering it but still remains accessible. The well itself is built of flat stones laid horizontally. The stone used may be local to the area.
The well contains two niches, one placed slightly higher than the other. These might have served as shelves for offerings and candles. The higher recess on the right has a large stone, possibly covering a water source.
To the right of the well altar is an area of damp that might indicate water flow in wet weather. The area close to the well has a penitential station, a place where specific prayers were recited and the Stations of the Cross were celebrated. There is also a large ringfort close by.

Saint and Feast Day Associated with Holy Well

Saint Connellan is associated with this holy well. It was said to offer a cure for sore eyes and is sometimes referred to as an altar. It went out of use about 20 years ago. .

There is reference to the holy well in the National Folklore Schools’ Collection:

‘They do rounds at St. Connell’s Blessed Well on two Sundays and a Thursday or on two Thursdays and a Sunday throughout the year.
Long ago they used do rounds (there) at this well but they do not do any rounds now.’

This information was collected by a student of Mullagh School.

Natural Heritage around the Holy Well

The well is in a recess off a large grazing field on slightly damp ground. Foliage here includes alder and blackthorn, with ivy and ferns at ground level.

Heritage Attractions Nearby

The area is not far from the coast. There are a number of small villages in the vicinity.

Additional Information

The townland, Rath, is most likely named after the large ringfort just two fields away. The area is listed as Doonogan (Dún hÓgain) while the adjoining townland is Ceathrú an Logáin, translated as ‘The Area of the little Hollow’ or depression.