Townland: Kilclogher, Cill Clochar, The Church of the Rocky Site, Kilballyowen
Description of Holy Well and Landscape Setting
The well lies almost hidden in the rocks at a point where the coastal road changes direction to create an elbow coming east from Kilbaha. A small bay on the seafront contains the well. On the day of the research visit the well was covered by a timber sheet in an effort to preserve it from the salty spray of the sea. Coastal erosion has caused the well to diminish to a trickle.
Saint and Feast Day Associated with Holy Well
This holy well is dedicated to Saint Senan and the traditional day of pilgrimage was 8th March. This is one of many Senan wells in County Clare, all named after the abbot of Scattery Island.
Nothing is known of the prayer sequence or rounding traditions at the well site. It would seem that visitations may have ended two generations ago. Some older locals remember stopping at the well as children. Visitors would take the waters of the well home to assist in childbirth.
Natural Heritage around the Holy Well
The shore is very rocky in the area where the well is located, hence the townland name ‘Cill Clochar’, ‘The Church of the Rocky Site.’ The active tides prevent any significant plant growth around the holy well.
Heritage Attractions Nearby
The village of Killbaha is ten minutes by car and the much visited Loop Head Lighthouse is fifteen minutes away. The surrounding area forms part of the Loop Head Peninsula. This area has received awards for tourism in recent years. See https://www.loophead.ie/ for more information.
Discover More…
Holy Wells of West Clare, Tommy McGrath
Murphy, P 1992, Cuchulain’s Leap : A History of The Parishes of Carrigaholt and Cross, Carrigaholt and Cross Heritage Group, Clare..
Record of Monuments and Places Number
RMP-CL072-002
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