kilmacrenan

OSI 25": maps.osi.ie/publicviewer/#V2,611387,919693,12,9 Streetview 2009: goo.gl/maps/hGMm8eirFi52 Other photos of Doon Well: www.flickr.com/photos/nlireland/10473268343/ www.flickr.com/photos/nlireland/10471637826/

From the DIA: Class: Ritual site - holy well Townland: DOON Scheduled for inclusion in the next revision of the RMP: Yes Description: Doon Well consists of a modern, enclosing wall from which steps lead down to a spring well. Nearby is a sapling to which are attached mementoes of the cures sought at the well. The area was landscaped in 2006 (SMR file). Kinahan (1889, 284) records the following regarding Doon rock: 'Its modern fame is said to be due to Fathers Freel and Gallagher, who, after being in foreign parts for many years, returned about two hundred years ago to this country, and blessed the adjoining well, since which time it is much resorted to by pilgrims in the summer and autumn, the waters curing cripples, sore eyes, and various other ailments ; while water carried from the well, and sprinkled on the crops, stops the potato disease, blight in corn, and various other disasters. Of late years, the number of pilgrims have so much increased that a public road has been made into the well.’ It was described by Ó Muirgheasa in 1936 as 'Doon Well, beside Doon Rock, and not far from Kilmacrenan, is now the most frequented Holy Well in Tirconaill, though one of the youngest-if popular tradition speaks true-as its origin is ascribed to Lector O'Friel. Local tradition says he is buried in Kilmacrenan old graveyard, and a white stone in the wall over the grave marks the spot. There is no special feast day or season for this pilgrimage. Prayers to be said at the well: Our Father and Hail Mary (five times) and Creed for your Intention. Same for every bottle of water you take. Our Father and Hail Mary for Father Friel who found it. Same for Father Gallagher who blessed it. Same for the man who put shelter around it" ' (Ó Muirgheasa 1936, No. 81, 155-6). The above description was derived from the 'Archaeological Survey of County Donegal. A description of the field antiquities of the County from the Mesolithic Period to the 17th century.' Compiled by: Brian Lacey with Eamon Cody, Claire Cotter, Judy Cuppage, Noel Dunne, Vincent Hurley, Celie O'Rahilly, Paul Walsh and Seán Ó Nualláin (Lifford: Donegal County Council, 1983). In this instance the entry has been revised and updated. Revised by: Caimin O'Brien, Paul Walsh Date of upload: 04 November 2013

And the nearby Doon Rock: Class: Inauguration site Townland: DOON Scheduled for inclusion in the next revision of the RMP: Yes Description: Doon Rock is traditionally believed to be the inauguration site of the O'Donnells. In some respects, it can be said to resemble an inland promontory fort. It consists of a natural mound of rock somewhat oval in plan c. 150m N-S and c. 75m E-W. It rises dramatically from the surrounding wet land and is naturally defensive.

I've always wondered why the rags were left at these holy wells so I checked with the wonderful Wikipedia: When used at the clootie wells in Scotland and Ireland, the pieces of cloth are generally dipped in the water of the holy well and then tied to a branch while a prayer of supplication is said to the spirit of the well – in modern times usually a saint, but in pre-Christian times a goddess or local nature spirit. This is most often done by those seeking healing, though some may do it simply to honour the spirit of the well. In either case, many see this as a probable continuation of the ancient Celtic practice of leaving votive offerings in wells or pits. There are local variations to the practice. At some wells the tradition is to wash the affected part of the body with the wet rag and then tie the washing-rag on the branch; as the rag disintegrates over time, the ailment is supposed to fade away as well. At some wells the clooties are definitely "rags" and discards, at others, brightly coloured strips of fine cloth. In some locations the ceremony may also include circumambulation (or circling) of the well a set number of times and making an offering of a coin, pin or stone. Additional votive offerings hung on the branches or deposited in the wells may include rosaries, religious medals, crosses, religious icons and other symbols of faith.

Via Trove, here is a very full 1911-ish description of the place and its history and Friar O'Freel, written by C. Dease originally for The Tablet. Quite a good read - trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/170931869/20339444. Including ...

One white-washed, straw-thatched little cottage nestling under the shadow of Doon Rock is the only sign of human habitation. A narrow, rutty road leads across the bog to the Well. It makes more evident the loneliness of the spot, for it seems to remind that there is a beyond, a place of life, of noise, of rush. This long white streak unites Doon with the outside world. The Well rises within the expanse of green sward, through which a tiny stream wanders silently, without murmur, without ripple. In the marshy soil the rushes grow in profusion, and blue and yellow flowers lift, their bright heads. On one side the marsh is bounded by the rocky height of Doon, and on the other by a lower, longer, grass-clad hill. ... ...

The wee standing stones??? edit--bandages... behind suggest it may be Doon Well at Kilmacrenan Co Donegal. maps.osi.ie/publicviewer/#V1,611379,919694,7,9

I'm not convinced those are stones in the background.

derangedlemur Have to agree. Fabric of some sort. Strange!

"Down through the years, many stories have been told of miraculous cures for all sorts of ailments and of how disabled or crippled pilgrims were able to leave behind them their sticks, crutches, bandages, etc ., after one or more visits." www.finnvalley.ie/places/doon/well.html

Streetview

Truly magnificent photography. The landscape looks terrific. Composition really is an artform.

There are lots of entries in local websites including "Finnvalley.ie and megalithic Ireland. It appears that the area has been modernised taking away much of its charm and the setting. Great old shot and nice to know the well still attracts pilgrims.

Swordscookie Though hopefully not leaving bandages behind?

Thank you!

John Sanders Welcome!