Saint Martin's Well, previously Saint Ruadhán's, Cooga

Townland: Cooga, Kiladysert

Description of Holy Well and Landscape Setting

The well was said to lie in a grazing field in the old Paradise House Estate. However at the time of the research visit, the well could not be located.

Saint and Feast Associated with Holy Well

This is one of several wells along the Shannon Estuary named after Saint Martin. Here, Saint Martin seems to have replaced an earlier dedication to Saint Ruadhán. Saint Martin’s feast day is 11th November and this feast day is still observed at nearby Ballynacally.

In local folklore, Saint Martin and Saint Senan of Scattery are closely linked. In one story they are said to have met. This would not have been possible as Martin was born in 397 AD and lived much earlier than Saint Senan, born in 488 AD. More likely is that Saint Senan brought a relic of Martin to Clare with him.

Heritage Attractions Nearby

The village of Ballynacally is close to the site of the holy well and offers restaurants. Travelling west along the Shannon Estuary offers fine views of the river.  Further west again is the Atlantic Coast and the town of Kilrush.

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Clare County Library

Monument Number

RMP CL060-005